The Luo Council of Elders has expressed concern about the Odingas’ trusting and forgiving attitude, saying it has
cost the community the presidency.
Secretary Owino Nyady said the doyen of Kenya’s opposition politics, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, sacrificed his presidential ambitions to push for Jomo Kenyatta’s release from detention only to be betrayed.
He said a similar predicament befell Cord leader Raila Odinga, who despite being instrumental in Mwai Kibaki’s 2012 election, did not get his backing in 2013. Instead, he supported Uhuru Kenyatta, Nyady said.
“Raila endorsed Kibaki. In 2013, his community defended the seat vehemently for a third consecutive term,” he said.
Nyady spoke on Sunday at Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi’s Sidindi rural home. He urged the community to change tack when negotiating with with other regions, lest it end up being shortchanged.
“Our humbleness is not well administered and practiced in current politics,” he said. “Others can easily take advantage.” He likened the community to a lion that kills prey, only for other wild animals to take the largest part.
Nyady urged Raila to concentrate on becoming the Cord presidential torchbearer because he has an upper hand against President Uhuru Kenyatta. The elder’s remarks come barely a week after the council unanimously endorsed Raila’s presidential bid in Kisumu. It urged him not to quit the race.
The Sunday ceremony was attended by ODM officials, Governor Cornel Rasanga, Wandayi and Siaya woman MP Christine Ombaka. They echoed Nyady’s sentiments.
Ombaka said Raila has demonstrated steadfastness in the liberation struggle through sacrifices, including being jailed for nine years.
She said after that long in detention, many people would have despaired, but Raila stayed true to the cause. Through his efforts, the country is on the path to enjoying the fruits of devolution, Ombaka said.
