National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Amolo Odinga at a past function. (Photo/duniatimes.co.ke)
National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Amolo Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta have been arch rivals in the political arena.
The rivalry between the duo dates back to Independence when their fathers the founding father of the nation Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and first Vice President Jaramogi Odinga Oginga fought over political dominance.
Raila, a former prime minister, has now revealed why he opted to support former President Mwai Kibaki as opposed to Kenyatta’s son Uhuru.
In his autobiography The flame of freedom, the opposition leader reveals what made him support Kibaki’s presidency. According to Kenyans.co.ke, the woes of the opposition with retired President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi began in 1997 after he accepted defeat in the race for the nation’s top.
Raila accepted the outcome of the election to bring legal and constitutional reforms meant to change the nation. Despite the support he accorded Moi, he was shocked when the former president endorsed Uhuru for the seat. He adds that Moi had hatched a plot to finish him politically using Uhuru.
“Moi had other plans. Several of his close confidants presumably wary of my growing influence apparently wanted to ensure I was stopped in my tracks- and they decided Uhuru was the man to do it,” he said, as quoted by the local daily.