“A referrendum does not need to cost more than Sh2 billion ,so we should not be told, we have no money, there is no money to do, we can teach Chebukati how to do it so we have everything needed for a country to do a referendum, we will do it before the next General election” (…) “It is not the desire for anyone to make it any more difficult and costly than it is, a referendum doesn’t have to cost billions” (…) “The purpose of the BBI is to have a free and fair election and that no Kenyan blood is shed because of an election” – Raila Odinga (Capital FM Kenya, 13.08.2020).
On 9th March 2018 President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga made a “handshake” that turned the enemies, the two heads into a team. The Jubilee got an alliance and a friendly opposition by giving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Which have dropped a report in November 2019. Even if the Reported was dated back to October 2019. There was a long time rumours and speculations of what it contained. However, the propositions and the ideals of this. Is to ensure the dynasties and the political another life.
The BBI Report and the whole BBI project is a big-man game. This is not to ensure the wrongs within the 2010 Constitution. This sort of journey has been to ensure relevance of Odinga. Also, buy Kenyatta freedom to do whatever, as he can use the BBI as a bargain chip. Since, he knows Odinga will not trade that away over a vote or a policy in Parliament. This is why Kenyatta have won big by giving away a few shillings.
Kenyatta bought himself peace of mind. That is why he can clean the slate. He has the majority in Parliament in both houses. The President has all houses and controls the state. Kenyatta can just order, direct and push a few buttons. From there it will go his way and fix his needs.
The political gambit was over after the Fresh Presidential Elections. When Odinga and Kenyatta parleyed. These two settled their grudges. The second rigging and the systematic injustice of the vote got erased. As Odinga botched the unease and got a few tokens. He got a little trophy, got a committee and some official appointments. However, he still have very little to no power.
That is why his selling a referendum. The BBI is another OKOA. The same sort of trade-off, where they want to change the legislation and secure the next election. However, not having the powers or the opportunities to do so. It is selling the same dream. As Kenyatta will not give up the cartels, the power and the needs, which enriching himself and his closest associates.
Just like Odinga sold Canaan to his supporters. He is now trading BBI and the Referendum. Just like he did with OKOA too. Yes, the IEBC has faults, yes the rigging is there and the state has pins in it. They are ensuring the ones are picked and appointed. Kenyatta knows this and Odinga knows this too.
Still, he wasn’t kicking and screaming after the handshake. He went into another mode after the handshake. Odinga got a unofficial role and the ODM got suddenly more relevance. His now selling another OKOA, a BBI, a revised edition to make changes. Kenyatta should be grinning, because Odinga is still in 2015 and 2016. Just missing the questionable signatures and other issues that the last go round had.
Odinga better get another song to sing. He needs another message. Baba seems to be on one MO and cannot sing another anthem. Odinga should learn new tricks, but maybe that’s a bit late now? Peace.
MinBane 