NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a past function [Photo/Courtesy]
Kenya is ruled by tribalism. During each general election, people fight over communal slots in government as opposed to the common good of all Kenyans regardless of their ethnicity. There are communities that pride themselves of having what it takes to take over State House including the Akamba but this dream will not be realized in the next decade. The Mt. Kenya Mafia always have a chance thanks to their monetary dominance while Rift Valley is populous enough to sneak to the top seat. Mulembe Nation is always near power due to their number and if they solve the subtribe huddle then seeing them in State House is not a surprise.
Top Ukambani leadership has failed to keep people dependent on them. Talk of Kalonzo Musyoka, Alfred Mutua and Mama Charity Ngilu. In Kalonzo’s Wiper party, people walk out proudly and promise to trounce any candidate fielded against them. Some go independent and still command crowds. Mama Ngilu is a political gambler and Wavinya will take her political motherhood soon after flooring Mutua. What cursed Governor Mutua? Even after trying to change Machakos County, he might be home on August 9 and Senator Muthama will only be required for material purposes during campaigns.
The mentioned leaders and other politicians from Ukambani are also good at offending anybody without thinking about the repercussions. In their push see Kalonzo Musyoka be named opposition flag bearer, they wronged many. One group that will not forgive them is the Odinga fanatics. This support base was not worthy offending. The established leaders should have withdrawn and planned for an open 2022 than scramble for what was an already-decided 2017.
While other communities are trying to unite, Ukambani is going the Luhya way where everyone is only concerned about his survival. Luhyas suffer because of ‘employment seeking’ politicians and Ukambani is the victim in waiting. Unity is paramount or Ukambani will remain a practical definition of poverty.