
“If the journey has become too tough for him, he can relax” – Uhuru Kenyatta at Voi Stadium attacking Odinga (11.10.2017)
I do not know what runs through the brilliant minds of Jubilee Party in the aftermath of the withdrawal of National Super Alliance candidate Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. I do not know if the Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto has considered the implications of their behavior, even of the consequences as mere fact. That they was calling NASA cowards and blaming him for pulling out. Like it was the God given right for one those two compete.
The growing numbers impresses me and people on the streets demonstrating, as James Orengo, called for daily demonstrations next week against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the IEBC is a sinking ship. Still, the captain and leadership still does not seem to feel the water coming through the cracks of the ship and soon running up to the deck! We can wonder if they see what is happening and if there are any signs of reflection on their behalf. Clearly, at this point it is none or very little.
Dr. Ekuru Aukot of the Thirdway Alliance is not the solution to the fatigue and the blatant disregard for electoral reform and institutional change inside the IEBC. He is just a mere pawn in imaginary fairytale made by the High Court. Therefore, to settle the gazette election of September, so that it is still is officially a go. Even though the candidate of NASA and the main opposition are out of the picture.
What is funny and also tragic is that after this ruling today, both IEBC and Jubilee has appealed the decision to let Aukot be the second on the ballot this 26th October, it is like them both know that this move will not make the process legitimate. They need NASA and Odinga on the ballot to make it seem feasible. Even Aukot has come out and said he will not be running in an election, which is not free and fair, also not credible. In the circumstances make it also so more incredible. That the IEBC been able to create this havoc and this sort of charade, that even a third party says: “we will not be pawn you need”. It is fantastic, but also sad, because the Kenyans still do not have the leadership inside the IEBC or the state to find a proper solution to the stalemate.
This while the Anti-IEBC demonstrations are growing in size and power. The NASA leadership are really generating bigger and bigger crowds. They are showing force and will. The people wants reforms and credible elections, by an electoral body they can trust! Certainly, at his very moment the IEBC and Jubilee motives are not trustworthy. That is why it is so rare that they want to appeal the High Court decision to add the Thirdway Candidate!
Chairman Wafula Chebukati and CEO Ezra Chiloba must wonder how they can settle this, as the IEBC is in a pickle and a stalemate. Between the will of the Jubilee and the reality of both court orders and their legal boundaries. Even if the National Assembly voted for amendments today, they will be challenged in the courts, as the timing and the precedence and provisions they put – are mildly speculative in favor of the ruling party.
For now there are no winner, Aukot is neither one, even if he suddenly resurrected to prominence today. Still, the stalemate is not settled and will not be for some time. Because the state and IEBC has been reluctant to change. They have clear that they will not be muffled with, even if the Supreme Court nullified the recent quest to get Kenyatta a second term.
That Kenyatta continue to blast Odinga is just self-serving and indulgent. It does not benefit the Kenyan people, neither his supposed electorate. Since they are not getting a fair test of democracy, if it continues as it does. It is as if Kenyatta shatters his own glass and blame Odinga for doing it. It is sort of the tale of his presidency; it is always someone else’s fault, not the President himself. If it was corruption, it was at the ports and not in the state house. If it was problems, it was NASA who did not comply, not that his legislation or his provisions was any good.
Therefore, we are back into a tale-spin, where the revealing character of the people in the circle of Jubilee and the IEBC will reveal themselves. If they are for rigging and for electoral malpractice. Just for the sense of safety and stability or if there are someone who cares about credible elections, that elects legitimate government. We will see what will be served, but do not expect the plate to serve quickly. The Jubilee and IEBC seems more interested in self-serving, than in due diligence. Peace.