Kenya: Blogger arrested over posting gossip and rumours…

“Blogger Aoko says that DCI officers asked, on who told her that Soipan Tuya is pregnant. What kind of pettiness is this?” (Alinur Mohamed, 20.08.2024).

“They did not arrest Aoko to jail Aoko. They wanted information on how there bedroom affairs are leaking into the public. We can all see that from today’s posts on Aoko’s TL. The Abduction was a design to compromise her into giving information. I think DCI does not know women born in Nyakach” (I Am Chege, 20.08.2024).

“Revealed: Defense CS Soipan Tuya behind the arrest of blogger Maverick Aoko for allegedly insinuating she’s romantically entangled with President Ruto.  Tuya is also on the spot for previously using state agencies to frustrate her ex-husband Stephen Kudate” (Mambo Msete X, 18.08.2024)

Well, what happens between the sheets that should be the business between the two persons who happens to be between the sheets. That “dirty” laundry isn’t for the public, but we know that sort of gossip or hearsay can spiral out of hand.

Scophine Aoko Otieno aka Maverick Aoko has felt this the last week. As she was kidnapped and abducted on Friday. Apprehended, kept in custody since Friday and produced to the Courts on Monday. Which the filings of charged changed, but the importance was the violation of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. Which has become of the vast importance of the state.

The Republic and its authorities had the need to address the rumours or hearsay of the blogger. The tweets and whatnot that she produced of late. They were so spicy and so heinous, that she couldn’t be left out on the digital streets. She had to be apprehended and charged over it.

The state is charging her for speaking about socialites and celebrities, but we all know the gist. She wouldn’t be apprehended and get charged this way if it was the ones involved on the charge sheet that mattered. That would have happened differently and with other causes of action. Secondly, the state wouldn’t have made the case and taken it so personal. That’s when you know the gig is up.

This is a about a rumour or allegation of an illicit affair of the President and possibly a side-piece. A tale of a side-chick and the prominent hound-dog. That’s what it is… an ancient tale really of a under-wraps love-affair and unholy alliance. As the President is supposed to be an religious man and so is his wife. The First Lady must be hurt if this is true. She’s just a figure-head and busy body praying. While the hubby is busy chewing other ladies in his spare-time.

Alas, that got to sting, especially, if she sits with in the chambers of power and in important meetings. Government business is ensured, and she is involving herself with His Excellency. That’s sort of affair that can cause lots of harm and destruction. Not only to the family itself, but to the trust between government entities. As they are beholden to the goodwill between the lovebirds and whatever affair they got going on.

This is why the questions remain and the act of the state starts speculations really quick. If the words of Maverick Aoko were worthless and only hearsay. The DCI and the authorities wouldn’t have acted like this. They wouldn’t have done this on behalf of socialites in the city. No, they wouldn’t have done this for musicians or for prominent persons. No, they do this to shield people in high-ranking offices and who matters to the throne.

What ever happening behind the scenes that’s up to whoever deems fit. However, it becomes even more dire and more important when you involve the authorities. When the state itself is in the midst of it and the actions are made. That’s when the rumours and allegations spiral out. We don’t know the truth and we aren’t supposed to know it either. Only the two persons who shares it is supposed to know.

The CS is maybe involved or she’s not. The President is maybe having an affair or his not. However, the case pending and the case created against the blogger only begs the question. Who did what? Why did the state interfere? Who sanctioned it and why did they make it happen?

Because, this isn’t a winner, but a loose-loose game. A game that only opens a floodgate and rightfully so. Now people will ask further questions and wants to know more. Since they acted on the blogger after the fact. They are now targeting her and whatever she does, which means they want it either gone or completely forgotten about. This story they want to kill. If it wasn’t a story. They wouldn’t have apprehended her and charged her to begin with. Peace.

Kenya: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) – Position of ODM in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition and National Leadership (19.08.2024)

Opinion: Odinga is trying to hoodwink the nation…

“When the country was burning, former Pres. Kenyatta called me and asked me to reach out to Pres. Ruto to find a solution to the issues being raised by Gen Zs. We talked and I told him my thoughts and how to deal with the situation” (…) “I am not in government. We never agreed with Ruto that we should have a coalition government. He requested me to help him identify people from my side to serve in his administration. I did exactly that. I am confident we shall move forward as a nation” (…) “I have shown interest in the AUC chairperson’s job, but I will not be settled down there in Adis Ababa when my home country is in turmoil. It is my responsibility to help stabilize the country for posterity” – Raila Odinga (13.08.2024)

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader is trying to forge a narrative and make him seem likable after assessing the situation and finding a way to have more prominence. We knew that risk was there and evident when he started to apply for the AUC Chairperson role. Because the old man needs support from the government to even be able or be eligible to apply for the role itself.

Now his just carrying the water and trying to be independent. While his party is in direct association and working with the government. A coalition partner by default and his allies are appointed into the cabinet as Cabinet Secretaries. That’s not just a random squad of people, but leaders and representatives he trusts. People who have rose through the ranks of his party and has been elected by his party too. Therefore, he is thinking people are blind and not understanding the ideals here.

Odinga can pin and put blame on Kenyatta. That Kenyatta was the reason for the CS’s of ODM becoming a part of government. Nevertheless, they have all egos and agency to act on their own. Kenyatta can ask and petition someone, but that doesn’t make way for others. It jus shows Kenyatta’s importance in the Azimio coalition. As Odinga is using Kenyatta’s presence as a reason to act or even participate in government. Which is narrowminded, as Odinga could do it all on his own and didn’t need Kenyatta’s blessing.

It just shows that the three leaders all know each other and dances when needed. This is no Building Bridges, but it is a “broad based” government. Alas, it is giving leverage to Ruto and at the same time power to Odinga. It is just in the open and everyone can see the motives. This isn’t helping the causes of the Gen Z but feeding a political elite and giving Ruto a little more legitimacy.

This is Odinga giving way and taking part of a regime for his personal gain. Just like the handshake. Now its now process of a BBI, but there is a golden carrot in the end of the AUC chairperson role, which gives him a reason to participate and join hands with the Kenya Kwanza. That is benefiting Ruto and gives Odinga excuses to clean the hands of the President. Instead of actually trying to listen to the Gen Z and their grievances. His instead incorporating himself and his party within the realm of power. That’s not an action of a opposition or a minority. No, that’s a governing party and a direct ally of the government that does. This is why Odinga is insincere and trying to play both sides at the same time, which isn’t possible.

Odinga is trying to pull at trick and get of the hook. While his now part of the government by default and association. Also, his this friendly because it benefits him. It gives him acceptance and ability to seek office within the AU. Which gives him all the perspective and reason to betray any cause. Just so he can eat and get into prominence, yet again. Peace.

Kenya: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) – Statement by Raila Odinga on the Recent Arrests and Police Actions during Peaceful Protests (09.08.2024)

Kenya: The Political Elite Versus Gen Z… [UDA and ODM is the same]

Bottom up is a concept of UDA but if you look at the philosophy of UDA and ODM, there is no difference. The two are social democrats” – John Mbadi (02.08.2024)

At the hearings of the cabinet secretaries nominees, one quote strike out and there was plenty more them. One that is lingering in my head and has to be discussed is the one from Orange Democratic Movement and that’s John Mbadi. He is just proving what is so in our face.

The Kenya Kwanza and the Azimio is no real difference. They are more of the same. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM are more of the same. They just have different heads and cronies. They feed the same beasts and are vehicles for the same ills of society. These parties are sibling and brothers of the same struggle. A struggle of power and control of the instruments of the nation. That’s all there is… and they are blatantly stating it too.

This just proves that the Finance Bill and whatever else the state cooks up. The opposition won’t be far behind promoting it. As they are just waiting for incentives to be part of it and get a generous bounty for it. That’s what they need and this is how they are running things.

Mbadi is just trying to forge a narrative. That Ruto and Baba is the same and they work for the same cause. Alas, the leaders of UDA and ODM aren’t objectively different. If that is so… it is a reminder that the citizens cannot trust any of them. That they are all for sale and waiting for their cut. They are waiting for their turn to eat and let the people astray. That’s what is happening and now it happens to be Mbadi’s turn to be in office.

The Gen Z needs to do a deeper cleaning. The state capture is moving ahead. The cartels and whatever that has a foothold is still in power. They have their masters and principals on lock. The President is awaiting silence and hoping the pressure ceases. That the protests and the demonstrations dies down. Because, he has already re-aligned his power structure and allowed others to participate. Just so it seems better and more broad-based.

Even when one of the “broad-based” CS nominees says this out loud. It just shows how these sorts of things moves. That the Odinga ones are different from Ruto. They are just publicity wise different and trying to forge another story selling their policies. Alas, they would work alike and act alike. That’s why Odinga will handshake anyone for a little power and get a little action. That’s what he does and now ODM is practically in power and has a say. They are in cabinet and have positions close to the President. Therefore, they aren’t really the Minority anymore or the opposition for that matter.

It is just telling and says a lot about the ODM. It also says a lot about the UDA. This is just saying one thing: “they are one, but with a different banner”. These parties are just fronts and excuses for ways of finding the smartest way to power. Everything else is just arguments and games played to win over the populace.

In 2024, we cannot see anything significantly different between UDA or ODM. They are practically a “uniparty” and the “winner” that takes it all. Peace.

Opinion: Azimio is dead…

It is time to hold a wake or a funeral for the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition. Just as the Wiper Democratic Movement and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is taking over the coalition. The parties are fleeing the coalition. Not that these parties are big or substantial, but they all are stones and the fabric of the coalition itself.

We have seen NARC-Kenya leaving and Muugano Party (M.P.) has announced themselves leaving the coalition. The Party of National Unity (PNU) is also planning or is preparing itself to leave. These parties doesn’t have much standing or place in the National Assembly and neither does they have big local presence either. Still, it is relevant to the bigger picture.

It is a cause and affect. All of these joined the bandwagon and was a part of the Azimio before the elections. They stood tall as co-principals of the coalition. They campaigned as one and behind the candidacy of Odinga. A man who has now sold his party to the government and traded it for his candidacy for the African Union (AU).

That’s why all of this matters and Kalonzo is losing yet again. His soon a lonely soldier in a minority party. A party which isn’t big enough or have enough mandate to sway the others to be part of a coalition. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has a big enough influence and force, which make the other viable for approval. That’s why these people followed Odinga and believed in Baba the Fifth. Even if they were campaigning on vibes and not solid organization.

We can just wonder what will happen with Jubilee now. As they are the other party that has a say and a mandate in Azimio. It is Jubilee and Wiper that is the big shots left. They have to decide where they want to go. Now they can either be behind Kalonzo or leave it all. Maybe for greener pastures and possibilities as part of government, because that’s more profitable than being in opposition.

You can just wonder what is the game plan. The Gen Z protests have altered everything. Now Ruto is dismantling the Azimio by appointing ODM Cabinet Secretaries and approving Odinga for the AU. His giving way and trying to sound diplomatic by handshaking the ODM this way. Alas, his practically destroying the opposition and maligning it. Just like he took enough parties and MPs to have a majority after the elections. There was other Azimio affiliates who jumped ship briefly after the polls. Now it just happens in the middle of the term as a consequence of the social upheaval.

Odinga has betrayed the Gen Z by being a part of government. Now his allowing the destruction and putting Azimio to death by doing so. The opposition coalition is getting wrecked by choices made by the ODM. That is so visible and the political elite is trying to forge a new way to political capital. You can just wonder how and what they will do…

Kenya Kwanza has gotten a lot for cheap. By the acceptance of giving a few CS’s to ODM. They have been able to tarnish and sink the Azimio. That must make Ruto giddy. He got it for nothing and can enjoy the spoils. This is the reality here… and Odinga allowed it to happen.

Stephan Kalonzo Musyoka , Jeremiah Kioni and Eugene Wamalwa is the ones that has to carry this one. If not they have to walk alone. They should rebrand and restructure everything, as things are falling part. That to strengthen the coalition and themselves as a new breed. Because right now they are looking like ODM leftovers and scraps of old. They should be better than that, especially if they want to be seen as a viable option. However, time will tell if Wiper and Jubilee is capable of doing so. Maybe they are hoping for Kenyatta’s blessing to further the cause too. Nevertheless, things are defunct and looking bleak.

The tides are turning and it’s happening fast. Azimio seems dusted and that’s why the ones remaining should start a fresh and build a new foundation ahead of the future polls. That’s to be relevant and not run on vibes. They need to be prepared and be structured in a manner, which they wasn’t in the previous election. Peace.

Kenya: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) – Press Release by Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga (25.07.2024)

Opinion: It cannot be easy to be Kalonzo right now…

As the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party is sinking. Not that NARC-Kenya delivered anything in Azimio or was useful in the elections. The effects of leaving in tandem with ODM aligning itself with Kenya Kwanza shows the dire need for re-assurance and re-commitment to the cause. That’s if the Azimio was more than vibes and high hopes ahead of the elections.

Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is a seasoned politician, a man who has bickered and chosen sides when it has benefited him. He has also entrusted his political capital behind Odinga and been co-principals in three coalitions now. That being CORD, NASA and now Azimio. A man who has followed Odinga and gotten nowhere.

Now the Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) and Kalonzo has to make choices. It has to craft itself and make itself viable. The Orange Democratic Movement is now practically in Government and has 4 CS’s on the way. They are becoming part of the “broad-based” government of unity. Another new way of relevance and getting power.

While Kalonzo and other allies in Azimio is left behind. His left to pick up the pieces. The same with whoever is there. There already been several parties and leaders who has sought after greener pastures in government. That is something that Kalonzo is accustomed to as well. He did so in the last term becoming a foreign envoy to South Sudan. Therefore, it wouldn’t outlandish if he sought a higher office in the Kenya Kwanza government.

We can just wonder how it feels, as the BBI shocked and awed NASA in the last go around. Certainly, the agreement and alignment with Cabinet Secretaries are now hurting Kalonzo too. As his party and cadres aren’t in the good graces. They are not appointed or even mentioned by the President.

We know that accepting a role and being part of it will taint their legacy. The Gen Z has spoken out and Ruto haven’t listed to them. He has shunned them and acted oblivious to their pleas. Instead he appoints several of allies and now adds a few ODM leaders to patch up the hurt.

It is like WDM and Jubilee is the ones that is left to carry the Azimio. They are the ones who has a voice. Kalonzo is the biggest and well known of them. He is the one that can usher in a new beginning. However, then he has to change face and be more wise about it. Not wait and see where the waves takes him.

Kalonzo has to now accept fate and take it head on. He shouldn’t wait for the first and best office. No, he needs to address the grievances and prove that he is a capable man. Not just a watermelon and a man whose willing to trade for better options. Selfish interests and slow movement won’t resolve any matter. Especially, when he has been betrayed again and left behind.

Kalonzo got to prove himself. He got no time to wait and if he accepts a nomination and being appointed by Ruto. There is no difference between him or anyone else who left Azimio for Kenya Kwanza. His just another one who does so and did so for personal benefits. That’s it and we all know it.

The ODM has already tarnished it name and Odinga cannot save it. Ruto got it for cheap and we all know it. Now it is up to Kalonzo and what price he puts on his career. If he wants an easy way out or actually do the heavy-lifting himself. Peace.

Opinion: ODM will destroy itself by aligning itself with Ruto

“President William Ruto names four allies of ODM  leader Raila Odinga: John Mbadi as CS Treasury; Opiyo Wandayi  to head Energy docket; Hassan Joho, Mining; and Wycliffe Oparanya, Ministry of Cooperatives.The unity govt cements Raila’s 4th handshake after Moi, Kibaki and Uhuru” (Siaza za Kenya TV, 24.07.2024).

Today is a seismic shift in Nairobi. The Kenya Kwanza government has gotten allies from the opposition, which happens to be the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The striking thing about these ODM appointments to CS is how key parts of the ODM. It is 4 vital leaders and close allies of Raila Odinga. These aren’t random selected officials. This is taking the ones running the party and becoming lackeys of Ruto.

This will also annihilate the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance. The ones left behind there will be the definite opposition. ODM are now practically a government entity and aligned with Ruto. That by the amount of CS’s and who the President appointed today.

Odinga has tried to fool everyone. He is still seeking prominence and ensuring his African Union bid. Therefore, his willing to trade and sell his party to get ahead. Because he needs peace at home to look supreme or golden far away.

Ruto can act like this is dialogue and a broad based government. Even if it just ODM Pentagon reloaded for 2024. It’s a mere preposition and a curious way of mocking the Gen Z.

Ruto is pleasing the political elites but also re-appointing fellow cronies to his cabinet. They are just appointed to new dockets instead of the ones they were sacked from. Showing that Ruto never listened, but trying to forge a narrative of change.

This is just sad. A huge loss and shows the entitlement of Ruto. Odinga and the ODM is just showing how it is for sale. That it can be used and it didn’t cost it much either. Ruto got the party for cheap. Peace.

Opinion: Odinga’s new solo-venture…

“I am ready to go for the chairmanship of the African Union.  I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better” – Raila Odinga, Azimio Leader (KBC Channel1News, 15.02.2024).

By the time of 2025 there is a need for a new Chairman of the African Union after Moussa Faki Mahamat who has held the office in two terms and was only allowed to be re-elected once after being elected first in 2017. Therefore, his term is in the endgame now and this is why Odinga comes into play.

Raila Odinga the “Baba” of Kenya is now trying to sway himself internationally. Now he cannot run on the remarks or the tales of old in Kenya. Odinga must make himself heard and recognized across the Continent. If he wants this… he must seek allies and fast. Because he needs them and they need to vouch for him.

Odinga cannot trust the East African Community (EAC) has his backing. That first has to announced and he needs sureties from President Ruto on that front. Odinga needs to trust Ruto and that he will play offensive for his cause. Ruto have to say that their candidate and who he wants to get elected. If that happens and God willing… then Odinga might have backing from other EAC states like Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Somalia, and South Sudan. These can possibly stand behind him, if he is the official candidate of Kenya and the Head of State tries to sell him to the neighbors. However, that is far from enough.

That’s where the trouble remains. We cannot even be sure if the IGAD nations of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan wants him. Kenyan diplomacy hasn’t been strong in IGAD and at this point. The goodwill of Juba and South Sudan can help Odinga, but we don’t know if that is enough.

The ECOWAS and SADC nations are whole another ballgame. Where several factors of interests in combination of old grudges. There is nothing set in stone. Odinga have to play and be cordial with the francophone nations too. These has to feel supported and that his weight matters. We can even wonder if the Northern nations like Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, or Egypt will ever vote for him.

Then you have the Comores, Cape Verde, Madagascar, and other island nations where you can wonder if he will have any sort of function or possibility to reach. It is hard enough seeing Odinga getting the votes of Niger, Mali, or Burkina Faso. Unless he wants to be a challenger to the old order and wants to be the future in the African Union (AU). That’s something to be seen, but then he will alienate Nigeria or even Ghana for that matter. Therefore, it isn’t a easy game to play.

We can wonder how Odinga will play this one out. He has campaigned all his life for Presidency. That’s how it feels like and he has fought for his position all the time. This is why his up to the task. Alas, that might also be his disadvantage, as he will play by the rules that has been the standard in his nation. Odinga might try to think and consider the implications, as if it was elections in Kenya.

Raila Odinga is a seasoned politician and a man of all seasons. He can stand on his own. While this will be a burden. We can wonder if he is capable or this will be a solo mission that will pre-occupy him. Because some will feel that his leaving a chapter behind and someone else can take his place. However, until his elected and gotten into office. The ones willing to do so… should chill and await further instructions. Odinga will not mess around and will act swiftly.

Raila is a character and a leader who has been tested. We can wonder if he will use the formula of Building Bridges or the OKOA vibes. Hard to know really… but he must sell his candidacy and get feedback that they want him. Unless he wants to run on vibes and not organize it correctly.

This is a free for all and you can wonder if it will have any setbacks. Whatever it is… Harambee House should be happy and so should everyone else. This will take time and be costly for Odinga. He will not be as involved or able to test the authorities in Kenya. That’s a gift to Ruto in itself. As Odinga has to travel, experience and be in talks across the continent. There is nothing given here, and he should know…

He has played with fire and been burned. Odinga knows the price of losing. Surely, he wants to avoid that this time. Peace.