By Jamesa Wafula in Nairobi
jackson.kairu@yahoo.com
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga insists that the Nairobi regime of President William Ruto is “illegitimate” and now plans a massive uprising countrywide on March 20 largely hinged on the rising cost of living to whip up public emotions.
But security authorities in Nairobi have warned Odinga any attempt to storm government offices including state house would be dealt with firmly and decisively. Yesterday heavy security contingent blocked Odinga from accessing DCI offices were former security minister Fred Matiangi was being grilled over source of his wealth.
But political watchers say Odinga having failed to table any credible evidence of rigging in the supreme court instead relying on a mysterious whistle blower is now using the excuse of escalating cost of living to foment open rebellion that will force the regime to talks like happened to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
That however is unlikely to happen as Ruto hardliners warn that they are not “cowards” and are urging Odinga to bring it on! Odinga revolt could like trigger running battles with an army of hawkers in Nairobi most of who support the government and are from one community. The same community own most of the shops, public transport, hardwares, supermarkets, and hotels. They have already warned that they wont allow rowdy elements to disrupt their business.
Odinga announced the mass action donned in a khaki uniform almost like that of former Cuban strongman the late Fidel Castro. The same uniform was won by his key allies.
A fire spitting six times Presidential contender Raila Amolo Odinga has in a swift move declared Kenya President William Ruto “illegally” in office and vowed he was ready to die to ensure electoral justice insisting he won the August 9 2022 epic duel.
This is the first time that a Presidential petitioner is openly overruling the decision of the supreme court of Kenya which after 10 day hearing ruled Raila had no grounds to overturn Ruto’s win as most of his “evidence” was hot air!
But instead an angry Odinga, 78, accused the seven court judges of being part of a well orchestrated cartel that had denied him victory in last years closely contested election that IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared was won by Ruto.
Odinga now claims he has fresh data from an IEBC whistle blower detailing that he garnered more than 8 million votes while Ruto, 56, got slightly above 5 million! But he is yet to table a breakdown of this data against what IEBC published on its public portal dully signed by returning officers and party agents.
Odinga who was addressing a huge crowd in Nairobi’s Eastlands upon arrival from South Africa told cheering supporters to prepare for a long drawn out “resistance” against the Ruto led Kenya Kwanza regime. Under Kenyan law this is already an offence and Odinga could face incitement charges!
President Ruto has slammed the claims saying the IEBC public portal with a breakdown of all results tabulated on forms 34 A B and C is still available for anybody to scrutinize wondering where Odinga has suddenly come up with a 2 million lead!
“This is a game they are used to playing always crying foul and seeking shortcuts but we will not be shaken” said President Ruto who ruled out any backroom deals through “political blackmail.” He said Odinga had bragged of having the “system and deep state” behind him yet he had failed to win!
Deputy President Nderitu Gachagau has warned that he would deal with Odinga in a language he would understand but a fiery Raila told off the DP saying he was serving in the Moi government while he Odinga was in prison for opposing dictatorship.
Political watchers don’t see this sudden twist in Kenya’s political landscape changing much save for creating a storm in a tea cup!
Most Kenyans who are law abiding moved on after the Supreme court verdict and even key Odinga aides were a no show at his rally.
There are many fully convinced whatever happened on August 9, 2022 is water under the bridge President Uhuru Kenyatta having handed over power to president-elect Ruto.
Declaring an open rebellion among Kenyans used to peace and stability could turn out to be costly mistake for Odinga who many say is only out for a political truce that allows him a piece of the cake!
Ruto has said nothing like that will happen and warned of firm measures to uphold the rule of law. To show his muscle as Raila rally got underway several Kenya Airforce planes repeatedly overflew the venue.
Odinga has announced a raft of measures that many see as pure sedition if the law was applied according to the Kenya penal code■
