Martha Karua and President Uhuru Kenyatta have travelled along different and even conflictual routes to reach their present location and unity of purpose in the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance.  Their commitment to a Raila Odinga presidency before the end of this year is testament to politics as the art of the possible. Nothing is beyond limits, even the bridging of divisive historical chasms in the face of a common opponent. Of further significance is whether such bridges can outlast the more immediate goal – the defeat of the opponent. 

 In 2002, defeating Uhuru of Kanu and his political sponsor, President Daniel Arap Moi, was the immediate challenge before the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc). At the first celebratory assembly, which was also Mwai Kibaki’s inauguration parade, the newly sworn in president exuded confidence, “Some prophets of doom have predicted a vicious infighting following this victory. I want to assure you that they will be disappointed. When a group of people come together over an idea, or because of a shared vision, such a group can never disintegrate. Narc will never die as long as the original vision endures.”