Speculations As Raila Hosts 2nd Batch Of Kikuyu Elders In Bondo

ODM leader Raila Odinga has hosted a section on Kikuyu elders drawn from Murang'a county.

The Saturday meeting was held at Raila's Opoda farm in Bondo.

Raila Odinga, Oburu Oginga, and James Orengo hosted the delegation led by SK Macharia, council chairman Joe Kibe, secretary Dr Nyamu Njoka and bishop Gideon Mithiga.

According to the elders led by chairman Kibe, they have come to pay a special visit to the former Prime Minister.

"As elders, there's a special ceremony that we usually perform to a fellow elder, especially when he/she is recuperating from sickness," said Kibe.

This is the second visit by the elders to Raila's home this year as President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to complete his final term in office. 

There have been speculations that Raila is poised to replace President Uhuru thanks to the handshake. 

Political experts believe Raila is eying the vote-rich Mt.Kenya region, and establishing a rapport with elders is the first step.

There is anxiety in a region that has produced three heads of state since independence but is politically at a crossroads and caught without an heir apparent after the exit of Uhuru in August 2022.

The region has now become a rich hunting ground for politicians with presidential ambitions.

If Raila vies, he will likely face stiff competition from Deputy President William Ruto, who enjoys a considerable following in the region.