Raila at a past press conference [Photo/sde.co.ke]
Enigma, according to google, is a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
Raila Odinga was baptized ‘[The] Enigma in Kenyan Politics’ by Nigerian author, Babafemi A. Badejo. He wrote a biography of Raila bearing the same name. In it, he paints an intimate picture of the man that has been causing headaches for the Jubilee camp. So much so that Moses Kuria was demanding the swearing in of Uhuru immediately after Raila declared his withdrawal from the October 26th rerun.
I have scratched my head and looked at the local dailies this morning. All of them are dumbfounded. The Standard newspaper predicts 4 possible scenarios as a result of Raila’s move. I have modified them as outlined below.
First, IEBC declares Uhuru the winner on the basis of running unopposed. The C.J will then swear him in.
The second option is...IEBC goes ahead with the Supreme Court order and conducts the October 26th vote without Raila. The ballot will have a single candidate: Uhuru!
The third…IEBC caves in to Raila’s demands and orders fresh nominations within 90 days.
The fourth and final option, is another Supreme Court battle. I am no lawyer, but I think if it were to go this way, the topic of contention would be to arm-twist IEBC into the 90 day nomination option.
From where I stand, it is with option 3 and 4 that Raila is hinging on.
Once again, let me remind you that I am no lawyer but I am sure the individuals that advised Raila are such. Of noteworthy mentioning is Hon. Orengo. His brilliance over the years in interpreting the constitution deserves some sort of award. Perhaps an Elder of the Burning Spear: EBS.
Now, back to Raila…we are still scratching our heads as to why he made the move to withdraw. Even the gamblers who have placed informal peer to peer bets are left kicking walls and cursing at the gods. I know a few who are grinding their teeth in anger and disbelief!