Raila Odinga is an old tree whose time is up and must exit the political stage, activist Boniface Mwangi has said.
In a scathing opinion piece published in a local daily, Boniface Mwangi appreciated the former prime minister for mending fences with President Kenyatta. Further, the award-winning photographer expressed gratitude for Raila Odinga’s efforts in raising a democratic Kenya.
He, however, took a swipe at the NASA leader, exposing the liability he has brought to the country through his political escapades.
“I congratulate President Uhuru and Opposition leader Raila Odinga for saying they’re willing to work together for the sake of Kenya. That should be good news but we have been here before,” Mr Mwangi quipped.
He added: “While Raila has done a lot for our democracy, I believe that his time is up…Raila is a tree, one tree that is now old and has served its time.”
The renowned human rights activist explained that it was a disgrace for Raila Odinga to forge unity with his arch-rival – President Uhuru – while his supporters gaze at nothing even after fighting to the last tooth over his claims that his victory had been robbed.
“The people who suffered and died in order for Kibaki and Raila to share power were forgotten as soon as the two shook hands and moved on. Raila and his fellow politicians didn’t pay any price for the post-election violence (PEV). Their sons weren’t killed, their mothers weren’t raped and they didn’t suffer any loss.”
“It is easy for Raila to always move on after a handshake,” Mr Mwangi explained. He lamented that the impact of the 2007-2008 PEV was so grave that victims continue to nurse emotional wounds till now, but the credit is bestowed on the “always ready to move on” Mr Odinga.
Cited as Kenya's worst moment, the post-election violence majorly took place between January and February 2008. The fighting resulted in 1,133 casualties, at least 350,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), approximately 2,000 refugees, significant, but unknown, numbers of sexual violence victims, and the destruction of 117,216 private properties and 491 government-owned properties including offices, vehicles, health centres and schools.
“After two election losses to Uhuru, which Raila Odinga claims he has won, he has crossed over and started calling Uhuru his brother. Whereas that is commendable and shows political maturity, it’s also an indication of something wrong,” the founder of Ukweli Party continued to decimate Mr Odinga’s political person.
He added that the ODM party leader has zero loyalty to devotees who shield all kind of political blows for his sake.
“Many have died in Raila’s name, but he hasn’t demanded justice and compensation for them.”
Citing previous breakaways that the NASA leader has experienced with his ground soldiers, Mr Mwangi remarked that Raila is a use and dump politician.
“Deputy William Ruto was once on Raila’s side, crosses over when he realized Raila doesn’t honour his word.”
Other persons that Mr Mwangi relied on to justify his use and dump tag on Mr Odinga include; ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi (2013), Kalonzo Musyoka (2007), Ababu Namwamba and Raphael Tuju.
The activist, who unsuccessfully vied for Starehe parliamentary seat in the 2017 election urged NASA co-principals to conduct a “coup” and steer their ship without bothering about Mr Odinga.
On Friday, March 9, President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga agreed to bury the hatchet to give the nation a leeway for healing, reconciliation and development focus.
The Head of State emphasised that as leaders, they have a responsibility to discuss and find solutions that will bind, unite the country and free it from a life pegged on a five-year electioneering cycle.
“Elections come and go but Kenya remains; so as we must plan for the future – a future that will not be dictated by the forthcoming elections. Our future must be dictated by the prosperity, stability of our nation and the well-being of our people,” President Kenyatta said.