Everybody has a price, woe unto you if you still trust these politicians

Since Raila Odinga pulled a fast one the other National Super Alliance (NASA) principals, the latter have been in a funk. First, they called a press conference to denounce the pact between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr. Raila Odinga, terming it a personal initiative far removed from what NASA stood for. A couple of days later, Mr. Mudavadi was reading a statement, affirming that as NASA’s co-principals, they were in accord with Raila’s move.

Weeks down the line, Mr. Wetangula and his cohorts were threatening unspecified action against Raila, then inevitably, the Luhya unity dirge arose. Arguably, amnesiac Luhya leaders retreat to their tribal cocoons only when they have been upstaged. Repeatedly, they have attempted to impose the siege mentality on their people in a bid to divert attention from their leadership inadequacies.

Disunity among communities is characterized by fights, quarrels and restrictions, yet these are alien to the Luhya community. Annual cultural events, serene environments, free movement, dialect confluence and intermarriages attest to the unity of the Luhya. What unity then have the rudderless, feckless politicians from Western Kenya been seeking over the decades? Isn’t it fairly obvious by now that the only problem with Luhyas is their leadership, rather than the rank and file?

Guidance

Calls to demonise the Orange Democratic Movement in Luhyaland have elicited a measure of indifference. Additionally, the emergence of vocal young leaders courageous enough to remind the befuddled old guard that their ‘sell-by dates’ are long overdue tells the story of a fatigued populace. Leaders from the Luhya nation have themselves demonstrated that they have no agenda for the Luhya community other than using them as rudders to the comfort zone.

The most opportune time to articulate an alternative vision for the country and community is now; in this climate of political uncertainty. What has the Wetangula –Mudavadi axis been doing since the parting of ways on January 30 when Raila was sworn in as the Peoples President in the absence of his colleagues who did not even have the presence of mind to agree on a common excuse for their conspicuous absence? At least, Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka has prudently taken a back seat to review his options.

Perpetual whining and threats against Raila are a total waste of time and energy. The electorate in Luhyaland exhibits such political maturity it cannot be dictated to, or be massively influenced by individuals who have not demonstrated ability to lead. In part, this is attributable to the fact that the querulous leaders lack ideological depth, vision and the charisma necessary to rally people around them. Some of these individuals have been in politics for as long as I can recall, yet no landmark exists that can direct one to them.

What direction can leaders who all along have felt comfortable standing in the shadows of others, never coming up with an original, workable concept offer now? Isn’t it time they ignored Raila and his perceived treachery, go beyond rhetoric, whining, threats, sulking and show us their new road map? If, as they want the Luhya to believe, that they are mid-ocean and the captain of their ship has deserted, will ranting at him take them to harbour? Someone must take the initiative and grab the controls of the wondering ship.

Revelations

Deputy Wiper Party leader Farah Maalim has made damning allusions to political deceit that has been shielded from the public by some of leaders who are now complaining of betrayal, perhaps because they were beneficiaries in one way or another. There could be skeletons in the cupboard that some of these deceitful leaders are not keen on seeing come out. Talking about offers and counter offers of between Sh5 billion and Sh50 billion on last Tuesday’s morning television show on KTN News, Mr. Maalim intimated that Raila had a price that Jubilee was willing to pay, and that the March 9, 2018 ‘golden handshake’ at Harambee House probably sealed a deal that effectively gave opposition supporters the middle finger.

Just like the many who were surprised by the magical camaraderie between the scions of Kenya’s founding fathers, I had my reservations about the handshake. Something was not adding up, and the void that followed the handshake is unnerving. Ascertaining for a fact whether money did indeed change hands is hard, but there is no doubt that the opposition is dead, and Jubilee can do what it wants without looking over its shoulder.

The lives lost, the businesses adversely affected by anti-government demonstrations amount to sacrifices to the dark gods of politics, for the benefit of a handful. The lesson in this is that it is not worth the while sacrificing for politicians who would as soon stick a knife in you as tell you how invaluable you are.

Mr Chagema is a correspondent at The Standard. [email protected]