Owalo Allied Politicians Face Political Isolation After Ruto-Raila Deal

The recent formation of a broad-based government between William Ruto and Raila Odinga has left several politicians from Luo Nyanza politically isolated.

Many of these politicians, who once backed Raila’s ODM party but later aligned with Ruto, now find themselves sidelined.

With Raila’s entry into the government, Ruto no longer seems to value their support, leaving them without political influence.

Owalo Allied Politicians and Ex- ODM Members Lose Political Ground in Luo Nyanza

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) and former MPs from Luo Nyanza frequently visited former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, both at his office in Nairobi and his home in Siaya County.

Owalo, who was a key figure in the political landscape, provided these politicians with financial support for their activities.

This included donations for local fundraising events (harambees) and relief food distributions. However, since Owalo’s dismissal from the cabinet, these MPs have lost their political backing.

As the new political environment takes shape, these MPs now struggle to navigate the political scene in Luo Nyanza.

They have become politically insignificant and lack the power they once wielded under Owalo’s guidance. Many of these former allies relied heavily on Owalo’s resources, and his exit has left them without a clear path forward.

Political Marginalization in Parliament

The marginalization of these rebel MPs became evident during the recent parliamentary debate on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

While Raila’s loyalists took center stage, the former ODM rebels, now aligned with Ruto, were relegated to the sidelines.

Only two MPs—Caroli Omondi of Suba South and David Ochieng of Ugenya—had the opportunity to speak briefly during the debate.

Other ODM rebel MPs, including Paul Abuor (Rongo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), could only watch and wait to cast their votes.

Despite their previous financial backing from Owalo to undermine Raila’s influence, these MPs have failed to achieve their objectives.

They now find themselves politically insignificant within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Owalo and Allied Politicians Struggle to Regain Influence

The situation for these rebel MPs worsened after Owalo’s appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management, which placed him in State House.

This move made it difficult for his former political allies to maintain contact with him. With Owalo’s political power weakened and his projects in their constituencies halted, the MPs face growing frustration.

Projects initiated by Owalo ceased soon after his removal from the cabinet, leaving them without answers for their constituents. Attempts to meet with Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo have also failed.

Omollo, who has kept a low profile in political matters, is said to have a positive relationship with Raila, making him unwilling to associate with the rebel MPs. This has further alienated them from both Ruto’s government and Raila’s inner circle.

Uncertain Future for Rebel MPs

The future looks bleak for these MPs as they face an uncertain path ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM, led by Raila, has already initiated steps to expel them from the party. However, a court injunction has temporarily halted this expulsion.

Despite this legal reprieve, the MPs are not allowed to participate in ODM’s nomination process for the next elections, leaving them with limited options.

Their remaining choices are to run as independent candidates or to join other political parties.

Given their diminished political influence and lack of support from both Ruto and Raila, their prospects in the 2027 elections appear grim.

Many political analysts believe that without the backing of either ODM or Kenya Kwanza, these MPs may struggle to maintain their seats in the next election cycle.

In conclusion, the political landscape in Luo Nyanza has shifted dramatically following the Ruto-Raila government deal.

Rebel MPs who once thrived under Owalo’s support now face political isolation and uncertainty. With both Ruto and Raila focusing on other allies, these politicians are left in a precarious position as they navigate their future in Kenyan politics.