How economic boycott might hurt Raila's political legacy

The National Super Alliance (NASA) boycott of some firms is nothing less than an attempt to make money by threatening legitimate businesses. The effects, whether the boycott succeeds or not, will be profoundly undemocratic. Spearheaded by a man who spent his political career fighting and winning the battle for democracy in Kenya, it will conclude his legacy as a breaker, not a builder. It did not have to be like this.

When history of his years is written in a calmer, more reflective time, it will record that NASA leader Raila Odinga endured great suffering and showed great courage in the cause of Kenya’s constitutional democracy. He campaigned for the expansion of democratic space. He endured defeat after defeat, never doubting that the second liberation would come. These achievements will live. What will not live is the darker, less democratic side of his character, which has returned as his career draws to a close.