It is common knowledge Raila Odinga’s name has filled the political space for close to three decades, actively and consistently without departing from the scene. So, his is a political household name, and he remains politically aggressive and committed to the political cause in the country.
This has endeared him to many, especially the progressives. He has retained and continues to catch the attention of even his enemies.Whether one loves or hates him, one has got to appreciate his presence and political engagement.
Additionally, Raila has courted controversy in the same manner that he has courted the attention of every citizen and every political player. This controversy has endeared him to some and made some hate him as a controversial figure.
Much more than that, he is the only politician who has mastered the art of political reinvention. Even when the odds have been against him or when he has been thought to to be down and nearly out, he has always invented himself to the surprise of his supporters, even his enemies.
During the Moi time, Raila orchestrated the merger between NDP and Kanu, or during the Kibaki time and even after he lost the 2017 election to President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila reinvented himself through the handshake.
Nonetheless, age and time not being his friends right now, we can easily see he is not as aggressive as the Raila famous in the early 2000s and even after 2010.
Progressively, we have seen his political strength waning. There are fears that regardless of being a valuable coin in Kenya’s political currency, he nonetheless is getting more fatigued by the day. Thus, it is easy to create rumours and speculation his health is failing.
Because of that, there are concerns and fears that in the event he wins the presidency, will he be able to run the government with the vigour and strictness of the CEO? Or will he be held captive by his handlers?
Today, Raila needs to demonstrate to both adorers and nemeses that he will easily finish the five-year term without being a mere figurehead.
The governance expert spoke to the Star
(Edited by V. Graham)
