RAILA ODINGA'S MOVE STUNS UKAMBANI RESIDENTS

BY ADMIN

Since the annulment of the 8^th of August presidential election, Kenya has undergone many ups and downs in the longest political period which the country has ever experienced since independence.

NASA leader Raila Odinga was sworn in on 30^th January in an event which the government termed treasonous. Swearing in of the opposition leader risked turning this country into civil war, were it not for the last minute wisdom of the government whom withdrew security forces from Uhuru Park.

For many Kenyans who were glued on TV to witness the historic happening on Friday, just the gesture of the opposition leader greeting President Uhuru was the greatest gesture which actualized the wish of their lifetime. The prolonged period of politicking had done a great dent to the economy, which in turn has forced Kenyans to dig deeper to their wallets as prices of goods and services in the markets continue shooting high.

In a joint speech by President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila odinga, the duo promised to set aside their personal differences and ambitions and join hands in uniting the nation to spur development in all parts of Kenya without any form of discrimination.

The move by the opposition leader on Friday elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans across the country, with the move happening as a great shock to most residents of the perceived NASA strongholds.

In areas of Mwingi  which is the backyard of in Kitui County to of the NASA co-principals and the wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, residents were dismayed by the move by Mr Odinga as there was no prior information on the possibility of the opposition working together with the current government towards any common objective.

Kamwatu Malonza, a taxi operator at Mwingi town Mr Odinga’s move was a great shock for residents of Kitui county and Ukambani region in as a whole and though the move might have been done for the greatest interest of the nation,  however the move might not have been the best option for the opposition. 

“Mr Raila Odinga joining Jubilee was the last thing the Kenyans could have expected. As a resident of Mwingi I suspect that the opposition leader could have made the move for a political mileage at the expense of other NASA co-principals,” Said Mr Malonza.

According to Mr Malonza the opposition leader betrayed the other NASA co-principals by going it alone; hence it might have been more of a political move instead of a choice meant for the best interest of the country. 

Maliti Mengi, another resident of Mwingi town held a different view. For him, the move by the NASA leader was the best option for the best interest of the Nation as uniting the nation goes beyond any political gain.

With a sign of relief Mr Mengi said that “It’s now time for Kenya as country to move on, we can’t dwell on one thing forever,” following what he termed as a prolonged period of divisive politics which has made life for most Kenyans almost unbearable. 

Even as most Kenyans continue express diverse opinions on the unity between the opposition leader Raila Odinga and the government under the leadership of president Uhuru Kenyatta, it’s now crystal clear to them that the time of politicking has been brought to an end ushering in a new dawn for the nation to move forward.