By Anderson Ojwang
Linda Mwananchi has netted a big catch with the entry of former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju at the Kisumu rally.
Tuju, a close confidant of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, joins Siaya Governor James Orengo not only to lock Siaya County but also Nyanza from the broad-based coalition.
Tuju recently met with Orengo in Siaya, and his decision to join the faction is a boost and morale to the group.
This is the beginning of high-powered individuals showing open alignment with the Linda Mwananchi faction.
Tuju, viewed as a sober and unifying factor among the Luo politicians, puts the lethargic ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga on the cross.
Oburu, who is struggling to steer the ship, is faced with the daunting task of uniting the party and forming a coalition arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Oburu’s Linda Ground is struggling and wobbling, with infighting becoming a common denominator in the group.
Tuju is respected for having placed Rarieda on the development map and has a wide political network.
“I will be in Kisumu. We must give direction to our people. So much lies have been told, and it’s time we told the community the truth,” he said.
Tuju said Nyanza will not be used as toilet paper for cheap political achievement.
“I am in Kisumu, and we have a new dispensation for our community. I have been silent, but it is time we do not allow our community to be led astray by people who want to enrich themselves instead of supporting the community,” he said.
Tuju recently claimed his life was in danger and he was being trailed by unknown people.
Tuju showed his family two sites for burial should he be killed fighting for his property.
Tuju is a strategist and was the Azimio la Umoja Executive Director during the 2022 presidential elections.
Raila spent most of his time at Tuju’s home and hotel holding top strategic meetings.
For Oburu, he is being alienated day by day as top politicians and community members troop to the Linda Mwananchi wing.
Recently, Orengo said he had ousted Oburu as the party leader, saying he had failed to lead the party.
But Oburu on Friday dismissed the ouster, saying Orengo can only be the party leader of birds and not ODM.
