Oburu Oginga Hints Opiyo Wandayi Is On His Way To Succeeding Raila Odinga As Luo Political Kingpin

• Siaya senator and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Party leader Raila Odinga's brother Oburu Oginga has ignited political debate over the Opposition leader's succession
• Oburu observed that Ugunja MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi was fit to succeed Raila as the Luo political kingpin
• Oburu argued that Raila was never crowned to become a political kingpin but seized an opportunity to rise

The race to succeed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Party leader Raila Odinga is a hot topic across Kenya's political sphere as the former prime minister slowly withdraws from active politicking.

Raila Odinga's succession

Leaders affiliated to Raila who have openly expressed their desire or have been touted to take over his Luo kingpin throne include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and combative lawyer Miguna Miguna.

In a recent interview, political analyst an University of Nairobi don Herman Manyora said that Miguna could not beat Embakasi East MP Babu Owino in the race to take over Luo Nyanza leadership mantle.

However, over the weekend, Siaya senator and Raila's elder brother Oburu Oginga changed the line of discussion after opining that Ugunja MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi was the best fit to take over from Raila.

Raila Odinga's successors

Other leaders that had been perceived as likely Raila's successors include Siaya governor James Orengo, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero and former minister Dalmas Otieno.

Oburu now believes that Wandayi was ready to take over as the next Luo political king, describing him as a political maestro that had perfectly learnt Raila's body language and moves with clear understanding of his next move.

"Wandayi is a brilliant politician who keeps advancing political skills he learnt from Raila. In fact we told him to try his hand in politics and he has been excelling," said Oburu during a visit to Siaya political activist Austin Makamu's home as reported by People Daily.

The senior politician observed that Raila was never crowned the Luo political kingpin by anyone but seized an opportunity that came his way to rise, arguing that Wandayi was taking a similar move, having followed the Opposition leader well.

Opiyo Wandayi's political prowess

"He knows the thoughts of Raila and his mastery of politics have blossomed within a short time. We have allowed him that space to thrive. It should be known that there are people who will shepherd you to the next move, embrace him," stated Oburu.

The senator opined that like, Raila, Wandayi was making his way up just like Raila was self-made and laughed at those who were waiting to be given the mantle to take over the Luo political leadership from the Opposition leader.

At the moment, Wandayi is part of the lead team in the bipartisan talks between Azimio la Umoja and President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza faction.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka is co-chairing the committee with National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah.