Are Raila’s anti-IEBC demos a PR stunt?

On Monday, we were treated to a rather spectacle during the anti-IEBC demos. People who have been on the streets before will tell you that this is how it has always been, especially on matters, police brutality.

People from the 1980s went through this to get the ultimate goal realized. What was different then is that, once the police descended on the protesters, the leaders were whisked off and taken to lavish hotels to watch. The common citizens were then harassed and brutalised.

This tells you one thing, they are not ready to commit to the cause, so why should you? I have seen demonstrations by passionate activists such as Boniface Mwangi, Rev Njoya and Okiya Omtatah among others.

All these people had one thing in common, they stood on the front line and suffered as fellow protesters did. This displays passion and commitment. What was seen on Monday was a wanting leadership that is just for show and a PR stunt.

And then when the going gets tough, they leave you to be roughed up alone. The truth is that even if you die, or jailed, they don’t care.

Of course they will give a minute of silence in front of the cameras, but deep inside they are praying that many more will die for them to attract the attention they so badly need from local and international bodies.

They will circulate your photos on social media with loads of hashtags and even update some hypocritical RIP so and so, you fought a good fight; aluta continua. That will be the end of you and them.

Back in the village we shall conduct fundraisings to bury you. And you will have left us with the trouble of taking care of your children; of course we are not proud of you. Kenya’s politicians protect each other. They will act as enemies in front of the cameras and dine and wine in the evening.

In Uganda, the leader of a demonstration is treated in equal measure as any other protester. This is unfortunately not the case with Kenya. They can never do that to their friends. So you will suffer alone as they make calls to each other, making business deals using your blood. That is definitely not the cause you are willing to die for.

Our freedom fighters put a cause before their personal interests. They were ready to die for what they believed in not who they believed in; that’s the difference.

Furthermore these are not the times that you should be dying for your country, this is the time to live for your country. Don’t walk a journey with people who will leave you halfway. Walk with those who are willing to walk all the way with you.