Let parties create a framework to resolve contentious issues

To state that Raila Odinga’s formal withdrawal from the impending elections was a shocker is a gross understatement. While the former PM had stated on numerous occasions that “there would be no elections” not many people had expected him to formally withdraw, thus necessitating a recalibration of the elections. With the Justice John Mativo judgement on Wednesday, the legal impact of withdrawal has been altered. Of course the political consequences of the former PM’s withdrawal remain, the law notwithstanding.

My concern this week is however not this contested issue which I believe IEBC and the courts will resolve. What concerns me is that Kenyans have not really interrogated the reasons that NASA has given for withdrawal from a process required both by the Constitution and ordered by the Supreme Court. I have taken time to review the foundation of Raila’s withdrawal as contained in the statement of irreducible minimums communicated in various fora last month. I have also reviewed the IEBC reaction to NASA’s demands. The twelve irreducible minimums can be grouped into four broad areas.