Is the end of Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Tuko.co.ke]
Close to 100 top leaders in ODM and the NASA coalition skipped Raila Odinga’s swearing-in ceremony, signaling the total collapse of the opposition’s united outfit.
Pressure has been mounting on NASA principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi for betraying Raila, by setting him up for failure in taking the oath, which amounts to treason — a crime punishable by death under the Kenyan law.
About 80 lawmakers among Raila’s allies refused to attend the ceremony, fearing that they could be arrested and charged with treason for plotting to overthrow a democratically elected government.
Only 57 MPs showed up at the event, according to a list compiled by the opposition officials.
The poor turn-out of Raila’s close allies in such an “important day” for the ODM leader has made insiders reveal that NASA as a coalition is facing death.
Many of the MPs had promised to support Raila’s swearing-in, by signing an affidavit. Interesting, many of those found something else to do.
Some of Raila’s closest allies who were conspicuously absent include former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, Boni Khalwale.
Others who skipped the event include governors Okoth Obado (Migori), Kivutha Kibwana (Makweni), John Nyagarama (Nyamira), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Cyprian Owiti (Homa Bay) Amason Kingi (Kilifi) Patrick Khaemba (the Trans Nzoia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) among others.
ODM party deputy leader Wycliffe Oparanya (the Kakamega governor) and senior officials James Ongwae (Kisii governor) and Josphat Nanok (Turkana governor) stayed away from Raila’s controversial event.
It will be difficult for Raila to put his house in order again. Already, those who took part in the event are being investigated for committing an offense.