It is pretty clear that the push and pull over the way forward for the disputed IEBC is not about to end anytime soon.
It is just last week that hopes were re-ignited among Kenyans that IEBC impasse was finally going to be resolved when President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that a joint select committee that will look into the matter was going to be formed.
However, in a quick rejoinder the opposition Cord led by Raila Odinga rejected the dialogue terms and even went ahead to double its weekly anti-IEBC protests. So, why won't Raila Odinga and his team be agreeing into IEBC talks any time soon despite the government accepting to dialogue as he wanted?
1. Publicity. If there is one thing that Raila and Cord looks forward to every Monday, it is the kind of attention that their anti-IEBC protests bring. Both local and international media have heightened the coverage of the protests lately putting Cord on the global map. Agreeing to dialogue may mean an end to all this.
2. Terms of dialogue: While Raila wants a 'structured dialogue' outside Parliament, President Uhuru has insisted that IEBC talks must be held within Parliament. Maybe unless the government 'succumbs' to Raila's wishes, talks on IEBC may not be about to start.
3. It may be true that Cord is not interested in IEBC reforms and, therefore, dialogue. Cord and Raila's critics have come up with all forms of theories to prove this point. From 'nusu mkate' narrative to coup attempt claims, all manner of things have been said. And who knows, maybe they are right.
4. The need to remain relevant. It is slightly less than 14 months to the General elections and what other better way for Cord to ensure that they remain popular among voters than through regular protests. Anything that may bring an end to this may not be welcome by the 'Cord-eshians'.