Five pointers that Raila's desire for presidency has decreased

Raila Odinga is one of the greatest politicians in Kenya's and Africa's history. He's shaped the history of Kenya politically while in opposition and also in government. He prides himself as one of the people who fought for the second liberation of this nation alongside others like James Orengo, Lawyer Miguna Miguna et al. 

His quest for presidency begun in 1992. He has unsuccessfully vied for presidency in five general elections. It's easier to say that since the inception of his political career, the only time he didn't contest for the presidency is during 2002 general elections in which he supported Mwai Kibaki.

Lately, his political moves demonstrate a sign of what may be referred to as political redundancy or rather climax. It seems like his time to hang the boots and pass the mantle to a more dynamic, creative and energetic person is nigh. Within his circles, there are pointers that the one time firebrand, bold, daring and charismatic leader is politically passive. 

1. Swearing in ceremonies that never saw light of day

RAO's NASA coalition has treated Kenyans to immaterial declarations. On the 28th November 2017, NASA leaders had indicated through their unending pressers that they would swear in RAO parallel to Uhuru Kenyatta- nothing came out of that. He played down discussions of the same and declared on the set day that he would be sworn in on 12th December 2017. This has also been cancelled. Clearly he is not keen on presidency and if he is, he's run out of strategy. No revolutionary retreats...no liberator is cowed by the powers that be. Seemingly, RAO's declarations are a bait meant to catch the government to a dialogue table and the bigger picture is power sharing deal. That isn't likely to happen- the government now sees him as a joker. 

2. No clear agenda as to why he wants to be president

RAO has been credited for fighting for the democracy and freedoms that we enjoy. Beyond that, the leader seems to have ran out of agendas for this country. Fairly speaking, he seems to have done his part but has a difficulty with exiting political stage- power is obsessive. It's time he throws in the towel since he's set stage for a Kenya he would want to see and leave it to the young leaders to steer the wheel. 

3. Proxies

Unlike in the earlier years where he was visibly involved in pressers and rallies, RAO has gone underground a bit. His coalitions statements are read by fellow principals and other spokesperson on his behalf and that of the coalition. Senator James Orengo, Musalia Mudavadi, Johnston Muthama et al are currently the face of the coalition. His deputy is away in Germany. Politics seems to have drained RAO as he can't exhibit the vigor that we've known in the past years. 

4. Age

At 70 years plus, RAO can't be vibrant as his supporters expect him to be. Obviously age has taken a toll on him and he cannot deliver politically as he used to before. This is a indicator that his coalition/political party needs to groom a heir who will take over from him. That heir will have the challenge of keeping the ondingaism flame burning. His most suitable role would be that of a king maker. 

5. No rallies anymore

Since the nullification of the August 8th presidential election, RAO has been involved more in trips abroad and strategy meetings as opposed to political rallies. Major rallies have taken place in his absence since that time. This is an indication that his political vibrancy could be fading.

 Conclusion

Realistically speaking, there's time for everything; There's time to fight, there's time to win, there's time to lose, there's time to rest, there's time to quit. Considering the above scenarios, RAO needs to decide which time it is. Time to quit probably.