Why Jimmy is raising eyebrows

By Gakuu Mathenge

The entry of President Kibaki’s son, Jimmy, into politics is causing ripples. Key political players are watching every move that Jimmy makes.

With the senior Kibaki set to retire in 2012, the PNU camp has been robust with many politicians lining up to succeed him.

These include Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Kanu Chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, and Internal Security Minister George Saitoti.

Among questions being raised is whether Jimmy is privy to Kibaki’s succession script, what message the First Family was sending to the president’s supporters, including those who have stood by him.

Those with stakes at the succession line-up must keep an eye on Jimmy, just in case he is daddy’s emissary on succession designs, or, for that matter, a decoy.

And in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) camp, Jimmy’s entry is a welcome move into a crowded PNU space, as he can only gain a foothold at the expense of key players.

The PNU backyard of central Kenya is also home to Mwangi Kiunjuri’s Grand National Union (GNU) and President Kibaki’s old party, Democratic Party, now chaired by former Cabinet Minister, Chris Murungaru.

It will also not be lost to many that the controversial Gema has recently been revived under the leadership of two respected senior clerics, retired bishops Lawi Imathiu (Methodist), and Peter Njenga (Anglican). However, it is yet to roll out its agenda or reveal its game plan in the Kibaki succession.

MPs in central Kenya will not talk on record, afraid to be perceived to be fighting the First Family. Some are indignant at the audacity of the Kibaki family, saying it should allow the region to move on "without seeking to cast its shadow over us after 2012".

"Kibaki has represented Othaya since 1974. I believe Othaya people are ready for change. I am a republican, not a monarchist, and such all politics of inheritance stand condemned." Former Nyeri town MP, Wanyiri Kihoro says.

Some view Jimmy’s Simama Kenya as Kibaki Tena reincarnated.

Kibaki Tena, the slogan for Maendeleo Resources Trust, was the fundraising and mobilisation arm of President Kibaki’s re-election in 2007 General Election.

Tactful plan

Simama Kenya initiative, whose slogan, Round Hii si Mchezo, smacks of a determination to pull off a big surprise, have tactfully not affiliated themselves with any political party, and strategically launched themselves with a countrywide tours programme before homing in central Kenya.

A raft of young MPs, among them Mutito MP Kiema Kalonzo, Kaloleni MP and PNU Parliamentary Whip Kambe Kazungu, Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, and Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny, among others, have openly associated themselves with the group that says it wants to detribalise politics.

Spokesperson and former director of protocol at Prime Minister’s office, Tony Gachoka tells central Kenya leaders not to panic.

"Central Kenya is not an island. Only if we reach out to others, embrace them, and they embrace us can we hope to be better ambassadors of the region," Gachoka said, in an interview.

Asked if Simama Kenya is ready for political onslaught sooner than later, Gachoka said: "We welcome anyone who wants to engage us on getting the youth get involved in national affairs.

"Jimmy supported Kibaki’s campaign in 2007. Kiema Kilonzo supported Kalonzo Musyoka, and I supported PM, Raila Odinga. We thought the Grand Coalition would unite the country. But the country is still polarised, people have not moved from their ethnic blocs.

"The Cabinet cannot speak in one voice. Parliament cannot pass Bills. We are reaching out across the country regardless of party or ethnic lines, talking national unity," Gachoka says.

In Central Province, Jimmy’s entry will also make good politics, as he will have to defend his father’s legacy, account for sins and failures of the Kibaki regime.