“My people, they stole the election, the whistleblower clearly shows it. Otherwise they’d open the server; what’s the fear? They then corrupted the Supreme Court like they did with the IEBC” – Raila Odinga (31.03.2023).
“Raila Odinga alleges assassination attempt during Nairobi protests. Says his car was shot seven times by anti-riot police. Odinga also condemned attacks on journalists, that left at least four hospitalized” (The Nairobi Report, 31.03.2023).
Right now, in this very moment after the hours and a day after the recent protest. The former 5-time Presidential Candidate and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is viciously on the barricades. His relentless and his been here all before. We have heard this tales and the stories; seen the issues and the way he uses these times to benefit his own agenda.
Odinga knows the score. He got nothing to lose and all to gain. It is Ruto and the Government who is losing foreign investment, losing tourism dollars and other means for domestic revenue by the constant danger or fear of looting during the demonstrations. Raila knows all of this, and the riots, demos and street battles are beneficial for him.
That’s Ruto can only lose face here. He gets the pinch and the pushback. Not matter what the government had done or didn’t do. It would backfire and it does. The authorities and the law enforcement mismanagement, it’s disregard for civilians demonstrating and the usage of lethal weapons will all be on his watch. Meaning that is all detrimental to his reign and stains his reputation. Just like the times of CORD/OKOA demos and the protest after the first 2017 presidential elections. Odinga has used these means before as CORD/NASA and does it again as Azimio. That’s why this game is a known strategy of his… and everyone should be aware.
Since we all know that and see it for what it is. The men and women on the streets are religiously on the side of Odinga. While they will not get what they are asking for. In the end, they are the pawns on the chess-set of the political elites. That’s who they are… because Odinga would settle for another round of BBI and a galvanized un-official Prime Minister post. Just to live honourably of state wages and call it night with pre-conditioned commission and possible constitutional reforms.
So, as long as the streets are burning, the guns are blazing, the tear-gas are spread, and the shops are closed. Odinga will be giddy and ready. He knows this game and that’s where he partly belongs. Raila has been here before and know the game plan. That’s why his not to stressed about the ramifications or the costs. Only that he adds pressure and makes nuisance for the ones in-charge. He is making life difficult for the Deputy President and Ruto himself.
Baba ran an campaign on vibes and he didn’t come with the evidence which was needed in the petition after the last election. It wasn’t like in 2017 when he had a solid case and it got grounds for a second round. Now, he failed and Azimio thought it was barren land for it’s taking. While he yet again didn’t get the result or the verdict he wanted. That’s why his going back to the streets. Because, in the streets and in the public domain. You can run on word of mouth and speculations. On the streets and among the public… you can speak frank and not carry any weight behind your accusations. However, in the courts and elsewhere, you need more load and more proof of your allegations.
Odinga can act like he got it. He wants to look golden and be the victim. Odinga wants to be the sacrificial lamb, but we all know he does that to not only gain sympathy, but also boost the moral of his supporters. That’s why they are willing to go to the streets and fight for him. Even if it is all based on assumptions and grievances of a lost election. Therefore, Odinga is even opening for a revised BBI agreement, yet again. Hoping he can tag along and be “one” of them again.
However, as long as there is chaos, looting and destruction, Oding will will rise. He endures it and gets strength by it. His supporters and loyal subjects are the ones paying the dear price. While he will live lavish and be secured for life regardless. Odinga got the bag and so does his close associates. It is the others who are paying the price and the costs of his political journey. They are the ones who are in the battlefield and who are feeling the brutality of the police. Odinga is feeling a piece of it and will use it for own personal gains.
Baba is hoping Ruto will relent and give way. Just so he can taste and get a piece of the action. Peace.
MinBane 