OPINION: Raila's swearing-in plan is just hot air

Anxiously Kenyans have been waiting for the highly hyped swearing in of NASA's president and deputy president. There have been two postponements that have left Kenyans in doubts that the NASA side is serious about the calls. 

In his new year message to Kenyans or rather NASA supporters, Raila Odinga said that his faction has set out to roll out civil disobedience programs among them being establishment of people's assemblies in every county. His running mate, HE Kalonzo Musyoka has however gone slow on the swearing-in calls albeit not openly/clearly - his usual nature. He seems to favor dialogue with the government as opposed to civil actions that could complicate the future of the country. 

Below are some of the reasons why no one should take the swearing-in calls seriously;

Moved on

The electioneering period of the year 2017 was a real burden to Kenyans; socially in terms of threatened peace, politically in terms of lots of uncertainty and economically in terms of stagnant economy and less cash flow in the market. After the repeat presidential poll and the subsequent swearing in of Mr. Kenyatta as the president election closed one of the most tiresome Kenya's political stint.

There's little political discussion that goes on nowadays- evident in the national televisions and radio stations. Kenyans have moved on and are more focused on building themselves as opposed to spectating political contests that add no direct value to their lives! 

Not Commander In Chief

Rt. Hon Raila Odinga will not be sworn in as the Commander In Chief of Kenya's defense forces since there's a bonafide and constitutional CIC. That move would be treasonous and the consequences are dire and regrettable.

If they make good their threat, he will be sworn in as people's president which has no constitutional impact nor structural effect in terms of political offices in the land. Should NASA swear him in, they will do so as a coalition ritual and not a national ceremony!

Civil Disobedience- Constitutional

Chapter four of our constitution is very express on all the freedoms that Kenyans are entitled to. However there are lines, duty of care and responsibilities attached to these freedoms. NASA will be within the freedoms of expression, association, assembly and picketing. They should be prudent not to breach other people's rights while at it as they would be punished under the constitution. 

Dialogue 

A section of NASA favors dialogue. There's been a downward trajectory as far as calls for swearing in RAO and Kalonzo are concerned. Reality has dawned on a section of NASA fraternity that Uhuru is the bonafide president and that his removal or opposition is cumbersome thus they favor talking with the government to chart the way forward for this country. 

It will not happen

The fete has been postponed repeatedly. A sign that the coalition fears the consequences or don't know how to go about it or don't know which way to go after the swearing in. The coalition's leadership will still postpone it and give logistical reasons. This will be in a bid to cultivate an air of suspense amongst Kenyans; a cultivation of an air of unpredictability. It's law of power.

In conclusion, the best thing for Kenya is progress. Progress can only be achieved if there's unity. Both rivals must put their differences, talk to each other and chart a way forward for this country. 

Hon Charles Bazenga.