Busia County Assembly Speaker Fredrick Odilo, who doubles as the Linda Mwananchi patron in Busia, has for the second time publicly signalled possible support for Governor Paul Otuoma’s bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election, further fuelling claims by critics that he could be operating as a political mole within the movement.
Odilo has previously projected himself as a potential candidate for the Busia gubernatorial seat.
However, his recent public statements have raised questions about his political stand, particularly as he continues to associate himself with the Edwin Sifuna-linked Linda Mwananchi movement while repeatedly making remarks seen as favourable to Otuoma.
Speaking on Saturday during the burial of Dr Regina Nabwire Tochi, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Odilo once again hinted at possible political negotiations with Otuoma ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Mwaka unaokuja tutakuja kuongea na Otuoma, tusemezane hii Governor anataka namna gani?” Odilo said during the funeral, which was also attended by Governor Paul Otuoma.
The remarks have added fresh ammunition to critics who have questioned Odilo’s commitment to Linda Mwananchi, with some branding him a “mole” who is using his position within the movement to maintain political relevance while quietly warming up to Otuoma.
His latest statement is not the first time the Speaker has appeared to leave the door open for a political deal with the governor.
Weeks ago, while speaking in Funyula Constituency during the installation of King Olemu Charles Wafula of the Bakangala clan, Odilo told his supporters to remain calm over his relationship with Otuoma, insisting that details of their political engagements were known only to the two leaders.
“Najua kuna watu wanakaa wanafikiria mimi na Otuoma tulikosana. Tulikosana mlikuwa hapo? Basi vitu zingine nyinyi mtulie. Otuoma akitaka kuongea na mimi anajua boma yangu. Mahali tuliongea na Otuoma yeye anajua, na mahali tutaongea tena bado pia anajua,” Odilo said.
The remarks suggested that communication channels between the two leaders remained open despite perceptions that they belonged to competing political camps.
Odilo went further during the same event to praise Otuoma’s administration and defend the governor’s working relationship with President William Ruto.
“We must appreciate what the Governor has done. Kama Governor Otuoma hangework na President William Ruto, kuna vitu sisi wana Busia hatungepata,” he said.
Critics now portray him as a possible mole within the movement, arguing that his public conduct appears increasingly inconsistent with that of a politician preparing to challenge Otuoma for the county’s top seat.
Odilo has, however, not publicly declared that he has abandoned his own gubernatorial ambitions or formally endorsed Otuoma for 2027.
