Raila seeks out allies, friends, business networks

RailaOdinga, Moses Wetangula and David Were inMumias town.
[PHOTO: Sakwa/STANDARD]

By Oscar Obonyo

KENYA: Finally with the nod of party delegates, it is all systems go for Prime Minister Raila Odinga as he assembles his political arsenals – including friends – in what could be his last stab at the presidency.

Even as he acknowledged the formal backing of officials and supporters of the giant Orange Democratic Movement last Friday, observers attribute the success to politicians and business associates. According to observers, friends and more friends could help him achieve his political goal.

His ability to reach out to sworn enemies or allies turned foes is particularly a valuable for Raila. With his loyal ally Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi having quit ODM coupled with sustained attacks by then G-7-led trio of Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, DPM Uhuru Kenyatta, and Eldoret North MP William Ruto some had penned Raila’s political obituary.

But the super charmer that he is, Raila has reached out to Kalonzo, with the help of Government Joint Whip Johnstone Muthama – the man who has been his harshest critic during the so-called G-7 prayer rallies for International Criminal Court suspects Uhuru and Ruto. Also back on Raila’s side is former ODM national treasurer, Omingo Magara, a one-time ally of Ruto, who has been critical of the PM. The two fell apart when Magara failed to secure Raila’s support to recapture his South Mugirango seat the June 2010 by-election.

Prof Makau Mutua, the Dean at Buffalo Law School, The State University of New York, US, argues that it is difficult to understand Raila without comprehending the context in which he became a leader.

Psychosis and psychology

Mutua says Raila is a personification of the political ambition of his family and that of the Luo community.

“A psychosis and psychology that is forged by the Luo conviction that they are outsiders in the Kenyan State that has excluded them and assassinated their most brilliant sons.” In actualising this conviction, however, some of Raila’s closes friends have accused him of destroying his presidential ambition if not boxing him into a tribal or regional cocoon. Front runners

Criticised variously by foes and allies alike as an undisciplined organiser and poor negotiator, Raila has over the years relied heavily on the support of friends and contribution of hired professionals.

Even as he puts the final touches on his biggest political contest, the most addling factor to many remains how Raila has easily transformed from his streetwise approach, including the stone-thrower tag, to a respected Pan-Africanist with credible credentials for being Kenya’s Head of State, and a statesman.

Besides climbing the ladder courtesy of friends, Former Nyeri MP Wanyiri Kihoro blames Raila’s earlier dirty image to deliberate smear campaign by the Kanu regime. The PM, says the aspirant for Nairobi’s Governor seat, was targeted for his abrasive challenge of the status quo.

Worst form

“He was never a stone- thrower, but he was painted in the worst form, including as a dictator, with a view to dissuade the masses from appreciating his efforts. Isn’t it odd, for instance, that Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was treated similarly and detained in 1952 for what we all now understand was a just war to emancipate his countrymen and women?” poses Wanyiri, chairman of Independence Society, club of independent candidates in the March 4 elections.

But the real challenge, which now rests in the hands of his handlers, is how to transform Raila from his current national stature to Kenya’s fourth president. Key among the players is Sally Kosgey, who has international links and who reportedly saved the day for the ODM team in 2007 by getting international intervention following the botched presidential poll. There is also James Orengo, who leads Raila’s legal team, which now includes former Attorney General, Amos Wako, who together with Education minister Mutula Kilonzo reportedly crafted the recent coalition memorandum involving ODM, Wiper Democratic Movement, and Ford-Kenya.

The former AG, who will be vying for a Senate seat in Busia County, told The Standard On Sunday that he opted to team up with Raila because he considers him a more serious leader who is committed to implementation of the new Constitution, which he helped to formulate.

Other crucial players expected to shape Raila’s final lap race include party national Chairman Henry Kosgey, Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Cabinet colleagues, Moses Wetangula, Dalmas Otieno, Chris Obure, Fred Gumo, Franklin Bett, and Amason Kingi.

Others are central Kenya businessman Peter Kuguru, former Attorney General Charles Njonjo, Housing Assistant minister Margaret Wanjiru, and Imenti Central MP, Gitobu Imanyara.