Raila Odinga hails Zimbabwe’s bloodless ‘coup’

The National Super Alliance leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday, hailed bloodless removal of Robert Mugabe from power and urged Zimbabwe to pursue path to a credible election.

“You have succeeded in peacefully overthrowing tyranny and dictatorship and created for yourselves the promise of a prosperous future that only democracy can provide,” Raila said.

In a press statement, the NASA leader told people of Zimbabwe that the event marked a historic moment for Zimbabweans and for all Africans who yearn for a better life in democracy.

“I encourage to move swiftly towards consolidating your gains towards democracy, which alone will prevent the return of the old order,” he retorted.

In 2008, Raila who was the Prime Minister of Kenya, condemned Mugabe’s power grab through what was termed as a rigged election.

“I believe I was the only African leader to have condemned Mr Mugabe’s power grab through a rigged election and offered support for your democratic future,” he insisted.

Mugabe resigned as Zimbabwe’s president on Tuesday, a week after the army and his former political allies moved to end four decades of rule.

The 93-year-old had clung on power for a week after an army took over, with ruling party ZANU-PF urging him to go. He finally resigned moments after parliament began an impeachment process which was seen as the only legal way to force him out.

People rejoiced in the streets of Harare after he resigned bringing to an end the era of Mugabe who had led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

ZANU-PF official said Zimbabwe’s former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was fired by Mugabe is expected to be sworn in as the country’s president.

He will return to Zimbabwe on Wednesday.