Few men have achieved the success of the political enigma that is, Raila Amollo Odinga. Fewer have gone through what he went through when this country was in dire new of reforms. He walked out of his father’s shadow in those moments and rose up to cast his own shadow. The son of Jaramogi has been through hell and back only to rise up every time stronger and more vibrant in more than one way. He stands tall among his contemporaries as a man who drew crowds rather than following the crowd. He stood up when others cowered and trembled in fear of powers that may be of the day.
The master orator is known for his witty riddles and rhetorical narratives. He is not known to disappoint his audience every time he stands on the podium. He will lash out at the government emphatically and boldly. Through the years he has been one of most-talked about politician in Africa and beyond. Some have even suggested that he joins the league of eminent personalities in Africa. His visit to foreign states in African and abroad is met with respect and amazement. Raila is a patriot. He is never one to back out simply because of dissuading circumstances.
He has lost his bid for the presidency three times, two of which were highly disputed. He became the second Prime Minister under the grand coalition government. During this era, he tried hard as he could to implement some of the reforms that have been part of his political journey. It was Raila who said NO to the constitutional draft in 2005 referendum and won. He said YES in 2010 and won. He has been passionate about devolution, or Majimbo, which is now entrenched in the new constitution. He has also been instrumental in uncovering major corruption scandals in the country. There is always something good to say about him, but I will stop there.
However, against these silver linings are a few aspects that make him difficult to stomach. Currently, Raila has a mass following especially in the Western regions. The people are the strength of any political move or figure. After all, elective politics is all about the “tyranny of numbers”. With such power comes responsibility of leadership. John Dalberg-Acton famously stated that “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. I believe the former PM has failed to exercise his power and influence when it comes leading his people.
It is evident in most of his party nominations meeting and even in the recent countrywide demonstrations against IEBC. In 2007, he never raised his hand to appeal for peace at the backdrop of post-election violence sparked by disputed ballot results. He had the power to do so but he did nothing. Although politics is said to be dirty game, there are certain tricks that are hard to come back from. Raila has a tendency of abandoning allies he considers baggage. He abandoned Ruto during ICC charges. Mudavadi suffered the same fate when he dared stand against him.
Overall, Raila is an above average politician who has a convincing history but an unpredictable political future. Since he has no precedence of victory in the run for the top seat he has grown accustomed to being in the opposition. Most of his strategies offensive oriented towards the government. When it comes to defense words falter, he either keeps quite or distances himself from the issue. At worst he will find a scapegoat and move on as if nothing happened. He should be celebrated but handled with care. I rest my case.
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