Why we must confront Raila about his doctrine of failure

Kenyan democracy is borrowed from the Westminster model of a functional Executive checked by a vibrant loyal opposition. In commonwealth parliamentary parlance, the term ‘loyal opposition’ refers to non-governing parties that check government policy, plans, actions, expenditure and excesses and where they necessary constructively oppose and offer viable alternatives while remaining loyal to national aspirations and in the Kenyan context, national values and principles of governance, which include patriotism and national unity. 

Loyal opposition is akin to regulated and constructive political audit of the ruling party for the national good. 

It is important to add that the checks and audits are not intended for the opposition’s benefit or to bring down the government mid-stream but rather to improve governance.

In my considered view, the opposition NASA does not exemplify a loyal opposition, especially against the backdrop of the Opposition’s recent threats of secession and economic sabotage. 

I want to dwell specifically on NASA presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga’s recent visit to the United States of America during which time his main agenda was to denigrate, condemn and disparage his motherland. This is the equivalent of selling your motherland in exchange for political expediency. Hardly patriotic or bearing fidelity to national aspirations!

False claims

On November 9, 2017, Raila Odinga made an address at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC during which he made several claims summarily purporting that Kenya was a crisis-ridden and failed state ruled by dictators who had emasculated and state-captured Parliament, the Judiciary and the electoral commission, which they were now using to illegally remain in power while looting every public institution.

He then went ahead to accuse western powers of “averting their gaze” and supporting the Government amidst this deteriorating situation. Kenya is not a failed state and it is not in crisis.

What we have experienced is a prolonged electioneering period brought about by Raila Odinga’s own electoral petition and subsequent orders by the Supreme Court for a fresh Presidential Election. Repeat elections or re-runs are anticipated in our Constitution and are an international norm that has occurred in several jurisdictions worldwide. It is therefore hypocritical of NASA to claim that Kenya is in crisis.

On claims that Kenya is hurtling towards dictatorship and that the Jubilee administration has ridden roughshod over or looted every institution, Raila Odinga knows well that there is more freedom in Kenya now than at any other time in our history.

It is this freedom that has allowed NASA to demonstrate, boycott elections, form a National Resistance Movement and even openly and freely compete in democratic multi-party elections. 

This freedom has also created independence of institutions such as the Judiciary that made history by annulling Uhuru Kenyatta’s election, an act that couldn’t have occurred if the Judiciary was emasculated.

It also needs to be remembered that President Uhuru Kenyatta has proven to be a respecter of institutions and the rule of law as proven by obeying the September SCOK ruling that annulled his election and being the first sitting head of state to voluntary submit to and attend the International Criminal Court (ICC). Raila’s claims of dictatorship and State capture of institutions has no logical basis and must be ignored.

Internal affairs

It is also on record that President Uhuru Kenyatta has made strenuous effort to fight corruption. Public officials found culpable have also been prosecuted by the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in accordance with the law. 

Raila’s claims therefore that the Jubilee administration has ridden roughshod over or looted every institution is false.On the Jubilee Party’s succession plan, I am at loss as to why NASA should try to criminalise the succession plan between Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. The choice of who succeeds Uhuru Kenyatta as Jubilee Party leader is an internal Jubilee party affair. NASA should keep off.

Raila also demanded that a fresh presidential election be conducted in 90 days in total disregard of the Supreme Court order for a fresh election, which was conducted on October 26 and won by Uhuru Kenyatta. This is contemptuous of the Supreme Court orders and its constitutional mandate as the only institution mandated to order for fresh elections.

I am now convinced more than ever before that Raila Odinga is not a democrat. He is a power-hungry individual who cares nothing about Kenya.

Mr Murkomen is the Senator, Elgeyo-Marakwet County