NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. [Photo/Capital FM]
One can’t sometimes help but conclude that Mr Raila Odinga suffers a serious case of foot-in-mouth disease says Daily Nation writer and political analyst Macharia Gaitho.
Gaitho a popular commentator on issues affecting the country hypothises that NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has himself to blame if he fails to take over power in his fourth shot at the presidency owing to his recent sentiments in public rallies.
"Twice in just the past week, the National Super Alliance presidential candidate has had to deny or clarify statements that were interpreted as dangerous incitement on the tinderbox issues of land, inequality and ethnic relations," said Gaitho.
"There is no need repeating here what he said in the Times of London interview on white-owned ranches in Laikipia County, and at a campaign rally in Kajiado County, where he addressed issues of land ownership and settlement," he added.
The analyst further advised Odinga to practice responsible leadership if he really wants to take over residency at the house on the hill and stop pushing for fanatic sentiments that can deny him power.
"But the very fact that he had to explain himself stands as proof that Mr Odinga knows that what he said has caused him problems," said Gaitho.
"Mr Odinga’s penchant for crowd-pleasing antics and the tendency to latch onto any populist cause or local grievance may make for good political theatre, but would bode ill for a person who needs to demonstrate sober, dignified and responsible leadership," he added.
"One can excuse and ignore toxic and reckless utterances from the likes of Moses Kuria and other serial purveyors of hate speech desperate to catch attention but a serious presidential candidate with millions of followers, however, should be more circumspect in his choice of words," said Gaitho.
NASA 10 million strong placards.Gaitho also lectured Odinga on leadership urging him to be at the forefront to offer solutions in the Laikipia and Kajiado areas instead of uttering words that are perceived to bare an ethnic prejudice.
"It is true that there are communal tensions and land issues in Kajiado, Laikipia and elsewhere crying out to be addressed, however, Odinga would be better advised to offer tangible solutions rather than stoking the flames with incendiary comments," he said.
"It is also perhaps time he began to appreciate that what he communicates will play a very big role in shaping perceptions amongst the groups he needs to win," he added.
Finally the analyst also had last words for Odinga's strategists if they were indeed keen to topple Uhuru's Jubilee administration in the August 8, polls.
"Nasa strategists must know that the only way the campaign will attain the 10 million votes target is to hold on to the 2013 base, and then successfully raid Jubilee territory in a big way," said Gaitho.
"The number crunchers should advise Mr Odinga that he will not penetrate fresh territory if he is busy scaring away the very voters he should be wooing," he added.