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.

Kenya: Join Civil Society Organizations – Press Statement – Defending the Vital Role of Civil Society Organizations in Kenya (20.07.2024)

Kenya: Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party Response to the Proposed Kenya Kwanza-Led Broad-Based Government of National Unity (19.07.2024)

Opinion: Odinga is ready to betray the Gen-Z…

It’s at times of crisis like this that a country needs to talk. We are not doing it to save Ruto. We are doing it to save Kenya. Generals don’t have teargas. They don’t have water cannons. They have bullets” – Raila Odinga (18.07.2024)

The supposed fighter for good and grander things will sacrifice the remains on the altar of possible Cabinet Secretaries and a say in a coalition government with President William Ruto. The Azimio leader and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) juggernaut will trade off all goodwill for a possible handshake and ensure longevity of his political will. That’s more important than the protestors, the misuse of office or the endless lack of concern of the plights of the citizens.

The Gen-Z protestors are fighting a better state of governance, where the lackeys and the political elite is ousted. As the current political elite is the reason why the state of affairs are the way they are.

Everyone knows that Ruto will kill, destroy and deplete to be in power. The recent weeks proves just that and he hopes a little publicity, diversion and deception can save his office. Not like Ruto wants to step down and he uses whatever trick he needs to regain some sort of confidence. Especially, if a fella will give it too him.

That’s where Odinga comes in. Odinga has left NASA for personal gains in the BBI. Now he would leave Azimio for a “unity government” vibe. That is the second term his doing so and that would be beneficial for Odinga. He would have power and be within the realm of the Presidency. Alas, that wouldn’t be what the Gen-Z is demonstrating against.

The ones who are surrounding Odinga is foolish. They are maybe hungry for power themselves and wants to have a moment to eat too. That’s the old fashion way of this and they can all burn the Republic to ashes. Instead of doing the Noble thing… to actually following suit and listen to the demonstrators on the streets.

Ruto will buy himself time and get some shelter by signing a unity government. That makes it seem like he listened and cared. He did sack his original cast of merry-men and now has new ones surrounding him. While they are there for various of reasons and whatever stipulations that was fitted into the agreement that got them there.

Odinga will make it belief that he did listen and was a voice of the Gen-Z. As the ODM held talks and was beholden to the Youth Issues. Alas, that won’t be truthful when his seeking prominence and the easy way out. That’s not why the youth is sacrificing themselves on the streets. That’s not why they are abducted, arrested and taken into custody by law enforcement. That’s not why they are tortured or even killed. They didn’t go out on the streets so that Odinga and his fellow allies could find a way to eat.

That’s when Odinga is betraying the people on the streets. That’s when ODM and whoever follows Odinga from the Azimio. The Azimio as a unit might be destroyed by all of this and this is the final tale of the saga. As it was with CORD and NASA in the past. Odinga found a way out and to benefit himself.

Now the other co-principals of Azimio has to figure out a new pathway for themselves. They are left behind by Odinga. Just like others in the past has been too.

Odinga with an agreement and a pact like this will only show how greedy he is power and influence. That overcomes the needs of the people in the street. He is willing to trade their lives, livelihoods and their future. Just so he and a few loyal disciples can go into Canaan. Peace.