Before the current Constitution came into force, it was difficult to gauge a good presidential candidate or political party.
The Constitution presented us with demonstration "farms" – counties, where we can see in advance the performance of political parties and their leadership. When Cabinet secretaries fail us in the central government, President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to act, the existence of law enforcement agencies notwithstanding. The Orange Democratic Movement too has enough power over its governors and can act, or at least threaten to do so.
I have selected Siaya to be the ODM model county to be used to show how they would govern Kenya because it is one of the counties in the party's strongholds. It is also the native county of ODM leader Raila Odinga and the county whose governor is most loyal to the party and its leadership. Siaya would therefore be the easiest place to implement the ODM manifesto to the letter.
Unfortunately, ODM is composed of leaders who never talk about education, health or wealth creation. Their supporters are made to believe that their lives will only change when Raila becomes president. What if he never makes it to State House? There are issues that cannot wait for a presidency that is pegged on an individual. ODM should use Siaya or any other county to show Kenyans how they can govern the whole country if they ascended to power. They should show Kenyans why they think they are better than Jubilee or Amani coalition.