NASA’s move to postpone Raila Odinga’s swearing-in sparks sharp reactions

NASA leader Raila Odinga during an interview with The Standard at his residence in Karen, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The National Super Alliance (NASA) postponed the much anticipated controversial inauguration of its chief, Raila Odinga, as the ‘People’s President’ on Sunday evening.

Kenyans expressed mixed reactions following the unexpected move by the coalition to postpone the swearing-in that was to take place on Jamhuri Day (Tuesday).

Some blasted the Opposition leader saying that he should bow to pressure and allow President Uhuru Kenyatta to run the country for the next five years.

Raila die-hards were not left behind as they rallied behind the decision by NASA to suspend the much awaited ceremony.

The NASA brigade had earlier communicated that it would announce the venue of the function at 2PM December 10, 2017, a pronouncement that never came to be.

They would however address the media later in the evening, announcing that the inauguration had been called off to a later date after consultation within the coalition.

“We are aware that this will be a disappointment to the people of Kenya who were eagerly waiting of this occasion. We wish to assure them that our resolve has not changed,” NASA said in a statement.

The move averts a possible showdown that was looming between the Opposition and the Government.