NASA flag-bearer Raila Odinga. [Photo/Courtesy of Raila Odinga]
When ODM leader Raila Odinga was named the presidential flag-bearer for the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition, the former prime minister declared himself ‘a Joshua’ who will take Kenyans from the current ‘suffering’ to a land of prosperity. For a start, not many voters admire leaders who try to be like other people. The president of the United States, Donald Trump, was elected late last year because of who he is — a rich businessman who ‘tells it like it is’. He is not politically correct. Just the other day, French voters elected their youngest ever president, 39-year-old Emmanuel Macron, despite him marrying his former teacher, who is 24 years older. His relationship with her, when she was married while he was her student, did not upset French voters. They voted for who he is. Coming back home in Kenya, voters overwhelmingly supported Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto for the presidency, despite the two leaders facing charges at the ICC, which were later dropped for lack of evidence.
[Photo/Ben Kiprono]
Days after declaring himself Joshua, Raila travelled to Israel, and posted photos of himself at the famous Western Wall, also known as Wailing Wall, which is recognised as the most religious site in the world for the religious people. Kenyans could not take it any more — they saw through Raila’s political schemes and began to make fun of him on social media. They called the posts the “Raila Challenge”. The question that many Kenyans are asking now: why is Raila running away from himself and identifying with a religions figure that Christians are likely to admire? Why not run on his development record, considering that he has been in government for many years? oto/ Brighton Oguda.]
[Photo/Aran Japesa]
It is clear that Raila has not found any tangible development project that he helped bring about from the time he was prime minister (he controlled half of government), MP for Langata or even Minister for Roads. Some of his closest allies have accused him of being unjust and blocking the will of the people. This has mostly come out after the ODM primaries over the last two rounds, during which Raila’s preferred candidates are allegedly rigged in.
The Opposition leader seems to be aware that he stands no chance against Jubilee’s Uhuru Kenyatta if he were to run on his record. Some of the scandals — where he has been adversely mentioned — that are likely to haunt him during the campaigns include: Kazi kwa Vijana project, Kisumu Molasses Plant, the maize scandal and ODM’s Men in Black. It remains to be seen whether the former prime minister will continue to run away from his identity now that Kenyans are aware of his deceptive games.
[Photo/Neer Akber]