Self-declared president Raila Odinga. [PHOTO/Standard]
Members of the ODM party were on Tuesday angered when NASA co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula failed to avail themselves during the swearing-in of Raila Odinga as president.
Immediately after the function, supporters of Raila thronged social media to express their frustration.
The general feeling is that of disappointment after a serious betrayal by a close ally.
Presently, the three principals who did not attend the function are being condemned as ODM supporters say they would rather vote William Ruto than any of them in the 2022 elections.
A brief history.
The journey for presidency saw each of the three cede their slots on the ballot for Raila to fly the opposition's flag.
Even when they had strong personal problems at home (the case of an ailing wife for Kalonzo), they remained close to the course of the opposition.
Another principal, Isaac Ruto, found the going tough and left the ship early. He was called the names he deserved.
Later, there was talk of the principals disagreeing with Raila in principle and ODM bloggers made it clear that it was better if Kalonzo left the opposition NASA. There was no need to continue working with people who did not want to commit themselves.
Although there was talk of some of the principals having issues with the swearing-in course, they eventually succumbed to the pressure from ODM.
And finally, on the day they were expected to show up more than any other day, the principals failed to attend the swearing-in and the reasons remain scanty.
There are two options, they either refused from their own will (guilty as charged), or the government threatened them (acquitted, go home).
Taking scenario one, as the opposition fraternity have taken it, then we need to ask a question: are the other NASA principals always wrong in their choices?
When three people fail to do something and only one goes ahead with it, who has betrayed the other?
ODM orphans should stop the nonsense and know that everyone has the free will to make personal decisions like the three did.
If the NASA team did not want the oath-taking, the one who went ahead with it should be apologising to the others.
But in the name of myopia, Kalonzo, Mudavadi, and Wetangula must apologise to Raila.