The recent announcement by the ODM party that it prefers a powerful premier as opposed to what has been proposed in the BBI report points at only one thing – the handshake was really all about power-sharing rather than uniting Kenyans.
At the centre of the handshake, famous or infamous depending on one’s political affiliation, is former premier Raila Amolo Odinga, the ODM party leader.
According to renowned war strategist, Sun Tzu, he who knows himself needs not to be worried by a hundred battles. Raila Odinga knows that he is up against a powerful adversary in what seems to be his last attempt presidency.
Consequently, he has changed the rules of the game in such a manner that whatever outcome, he still emerges a winner. From his exploits in the ballot, Raila has often emerged second best, followed by calls and protests of alleged manipulation of election results.
The calls for a powerful premier ensures that Raila Odinga has an easy walk to power, as opposed to battling it out on the ballot.
Even though BBI was aimed at uniting Kenyans, it is arguable that it will achieve such a lofty ambition. Upon its release, politicians had already hijacked it, ignoring key areas that would make Kenya a pride in Africa in regards to leadership and governance.
The key player in Kenya’s politics come 2022 is Raila Odinga. Everything will be built around him if his alliance with President Uhuru Kenyatta is anything to go by.
He will be facing an ambitious William Ruto, who has already made inroads and alliances around the country as he prepares to take on political titans in his quest to inherit his boss’ seat.
However, the BBI report and its recommendations has made the presidency a less lucrative job in the land, courtesy of Raila Odinga. As such, how our politics pan out remains to be unfurled with each passing day.