
You knew the handshake between Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta would have ramifications, as the Jubilee and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have gone into partnership with that. This might have de-escalated the tensions, but also killed all real opposition. As the Wiper Democratic Movement (WPM), Forum for the Restoration of Democracy – Kenya (FORD-K) and Amani National Congress (ANC) have to figure their place, as the shift of power within the ODM have been apparent. That was also shown with ODM taking the Senate Minority Seat for Sen. James Orengo instead of NASA Co-Principal Moses Wetan’gula.
While you know the Thirdway Alliance are fishing for relevancy too, but however, this piece isn’t about the death of NASA (National Super Alliance), as that died on the Building Bridging Initiative. As them as an official opposition went gone in the wind. The shake between Kenyatta and Odinga settled this, therefore, he has gotten off the hook. Odinga are now really showing his loyalty to the handshake, as he wants to help the Jubilee, even when it costs for all citizens. The pains of these taxes will not hurt the elite or the ones in Parliament. The proof of that, is shown by his statement to his own ODM MPs for voting for and being loyal to Jubilee. Just read this statement!
“In a statement released by his spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, the former Prime Minister lauded the MPs who stood by the party’s position during the session that was marred with controversy. “Raila Odinga wishes to thank all Orange Democratic Movement members of Parliament who observed the principle of party discipline and stood by the Party and NASA’s resolutions to back the Finance Bill in the National Assembly on Thursday. “Mr Odinga, therefore, thanks those members who, despite different concerns, were able to honour their word and commitment to the party and looked at the larger picture in line with the party and the coalition’s dream of finding longer-term solutions to the country’s ages old problems,” the statement read in part” (Michael Musyoka – ‘ODM Leader Raila Odinga Thanks ODM MPS Who Passed Tax Law’ 22.09.2018, link: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/33352-odm-leader-raila-odinga-thanks-odm-mps-who-passed-tax-law).
This ages old problems are newly created and amplified by the coalition and by the Jubilee government, which has created the shortfall and the deficit. Odinga are now not caring or can say words against corruption. Since he has turned the blind eye to the loans, the Eurobonds and the corruption scandals, as they are financed by these new taxes and overseas funding. Kenyatta knows this and must be giddy. He has a loyal stooge who will follow the needs of the government without any cost. Which is officially opposition, but acting as loyal as the Cabinet or Government.
These ODM people could now just become Jubilee, as there is hard to see anything significant different. They are just from other wards and represent other constituency. The Finance Bill will really hurt the public and make life more expensive, even close more of the poorer parts of society from banking services. As they cannot afford the Mobile Money or the Transfer of cash in general. This is what is happening and Odinga, said to his people: “well done, showing discipline and following orders, as you are now apart of the ones overtaxing the public”.
The ODM and Odinga is because of the handshake, just showing contempt of their trust in him. As he seemed like someone who would be a contrast to Kenyatta, now he just seems like another 50 Shades of Grey version of him. The only difference is the suits and the way of addressing the press. The rest is just the facade and not the reality. As the handshake is really bitter now, and the ones that pays the cost is the citizens.
NASA is dead, the Opposition is marginalized and worthless, the waiting game for 2022 will feel like forever. Odinga could just another fellow in the Jubilee, because he acts like it, when he doesn’t act against the vile taxation and actually praise the ODM MPs for rallying behind that. Peace.













