Azimio leader Raila Odinga has charmed supporters in Murang’a by posing a riddle, his political trademark.
Raila, who has long been named Mr Kitendawili, which is the Swahili word for a riddle, is well known for using the rhetorical device to pass messages.
Addressing supporters during a town hall meeting in Murang’a on Thursday, Raila humoured his supporters with the art of speech.
"Kitendawili, Kitendawili.. Kuona anaona lakini kusikia hasikii ila kwa kigogo. Huyo ni nani?” he asked.
The crowd gave several responses which the ODM leader said were wrong.
"Mmeshindwa. Jibu ni yule mnyama anaitwa burukenge (You have failed. The answer is the animal called the monitor lizard)," Raila said.
He went ahead to explain the riddle to his audience, noting that the monitor lizard is a look-alike of the crocodile.
"He can see but he can't hear or listen until he is beaten. These guys want to be canned so they can listen," he said.
The leader's use of riddles is among the attributes that have made him a popular political figure as he skillfully deploys them in explaining complex issues of governance.
Raila also uses riddles to attack his opponents and even entertain the masses to break the monotony of political speeches.
Among those known for calling Raila "mtu wa kitendawili" is President William Ruto.
He however said he will be addressing the opposition chief as "my brother" if it will help end demonstrations.
"If calling Raila 'my brother' will help stop the demos, chaos, and destruction of people's property, then I will call him 'my brother' ten times. I will even make it 'my dear brother'," Ruto said on Monday.
