The Raila-Karua Ticket a Safe Pair of Hearts

Four evenings ago, on May 17, 2022, I had the honour and privilege to join a team of brilliant debaters @Daisy Amdany, the Executive Director of Crawn Trust, and @Dr. Julian Rowa, the Chief Executive Officer of Shajuls Consulting, alongside a great journalist and host, @John Kioria, on KBC Channel 1’s #KenyaDecides2022 show. The agenda was to discuss and evaluate the thinking, the process and the considerations that went behind the scenes to identify and select the Deputy Presidential candidates which concluded on May 16, 2022.

In so doing, we acknowledged the political realities, and in particular the need of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga of Azimio la Umoja, and H.E. Dr. William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza to get the numbers necessary for them to win the Presidency. We also discussed the ability of the leading candidate pairs – Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga/Hon. Martha Karua, and H.E. Dr. William Ruto/Hon. Rigathi Gachagwa - to uphold and improve the constitution should they win. We debated their capacity to effectively address the prevailing national socio-economic challenges, to chart a path of equitable national growth and development for all, to fight corruption, to protect individual rights, freedoms and liberties, and to pursue foreign policies that bring honour and dignity to the nation and the people of Kenya. Finally, we looked at the personality of each pair and the ease with which they would collaborate and work in harmony, be accountable to the citizens, and preserve peace and unity of the nation.

Cognizant of how our democracy has evolved from 1963 when Kenya became independent, and honouring our pre- and post-independence heroes and heroines, we relied on the Constitution of Kenya 2010 (as one of, but probably the best of the tools we could use) to anchor our conversation. We considered the candidates’ past history of duty and how they delivered their services both in public and private office in light of Chapter 6 of Constitution of Kenya 2010. We assessed their individual contributions to constitutional evolution and the dividends that have directly accrued to the people of Kenya. Agitation for constitutional change and contributions through Acts of Parliament to advance equity, gender parity and promote youth agenda became important considerations of this panel.

In a hotly contested race like this one, a formal process is imperative as it helps to set out expectations, produces credible and verifiable results with audit trails. This way, the process can therefore be used as a tool to mitigate the risk of post-selection fall out. We shared the opinion that Kenya Kwanza identification and selection process was shrouded in mystery and was opaque to the public. Other than the opinion polls conducted by the group, we did not come across any prescribed processes, frameworks or mechanics published by this group to guide them in their selection program. Consequently, there was limited, if any, public expectations as to the quality and suitability of any of their running mate candidates. Opting for negotiation that lacked in rigor, the selection would therefore be left largely to the emotions and subtle considerations of their presidential candidate and a few people around him. This could explain the 17-hour delay to announce the Kenya Kwanza Presidential running mate, the subsequent resignation from active politics by a leading contender, and the perceptible disquiet in several parts of Mt. Kenya region that hitherto supported this coalition.

Conversely, a well-documented selection process and structure were established in the Azimio la Umoja camp, which clearly articulated the criteria and focal points against which their running mate candidates were evaluated. With every candidate submitting themselves to this process under the Presidential Running Mate Selection Committee which comprised eminent Kenyans, the outcome read out by the panel binds each of them, but without necessarily impeding their individual rights to challenge it within the laid down framework. From a rich set of 8 qualified candidates with stellar profiles in this camp, 30% of which were women, only the top three candidates were picked and names submitted to the Presidential Candidate from where he would select his running mate. It is obvious that there was a lot of horse-trading and negotiations in the background in order to accommodate the unsuccessful candidates. However, the intensity was whittled down based on justifiable facts, and any major post-selection dissonance among the candidates have been averted. With constant communication from the panel, both the public and the media followed the process and their expectations were managed better than in the Kenya Kwanza camp, raising an incredible acceptance and support of Martha Karua across the country as the ideal running mate to Raila Odinga. Consequently, this ticket appears fresh, more appealing and thrilling, going by the runaway support it has achieved especially among women regardless of age, ethnicity and political party. Moreover, it has raised excitement across the whole country, and has a strong potential to turn the attitude of Mt. Kenya voters positively towards the Azimio la Umoja candidate.

The choice of Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, the sitting Mathira Member of Parliament and Hon. Martha Karua, the NARC Kenya Party Leader by the leading contenders have shifted the battle for the Presidency to Mt. Kenya region. This region, estimated to have 5 million votes within and another 5 million votes in other parts of the country, has been an active player in national politics, producing the first President of independent Kenya and two presidents in the last 20 consecutive years. Now, without a presidential candidate in the 2022 race, it has become restless, divided and undecided, and has been turned into a hunting ground by the leading presidential candidates for the most important winning vote. With 78 days remaining to the general elections, there is still enough time to change the political tides in Mt. Kenya to either side, but this window is quickly closing. This battle is now firmly in the hands of Hon. Gachagua and Hon. Karua to determine which side wins the region and the nation.

The art of making a President requires strong, influential, pragmatic and deep-pocketed but loyal go-getters. Born in Ruguru Village to Mau Mau freedom fighters, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nairobi in 1988. While in college, as a student leader, he established a close relationship with the late former President Daniel Moi. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the civil service where he spent most of his career life especially in the provincial administration and later as the Personal Assistant to the Head of Civil Service, gaining his wealth and considerable experiences in public administration. Today, he serves as the MP of his home constituency, Mathira, in Nyeri County, being his first time in the National Assembly. The value of this experience, his deep pockets, loyalty to Dr. William Ruto, together with his connections to local leaders and capacity to influence them are the biggest advantages he brings to Dr. Ruto campaign. He has proved himself as a master local organizer, effective ground mobiliser and a go-getter. But this comes at a cost. His association with former President Moi, some things that happened under his watch as government tried to contain the struggle for multi-party democracy, graft cases, his abrasive and controversial personality haunt him, and may not work to the advantage of their ticket.

The #RutoGachagua ticket consequently appears to be anti-reform and marred in negative public sentiments. At the dawn of multi-party democracy in Kenya, the Kenya Kwanza Presidential Candidate became a long-standing member of the ruling party KANU after he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi in 1990, benefitting from the political and financial windfall that came with this. By his actions as an officer in Youth for Kanu 92 (YK92), he is known to have opposed the repeal of Section 2 (a) of the old constitution that would usher in multi-party democracy, and all subsequent reforms to the Constitution. Still combating a public perception that he is corrupt, Dr. Ruto has to also address himself to the public view that he is a difficult partner to work with, going by his raucous relationship with his boss, H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, over the last 5 years. His recent verbal spat with @Uhuru M. Kenyatta whom he deputizes confirms this observation, and portrays him as an undisciplined assistant and one who would sacrifice mutual and national good for personal goals. It must be emphasized that the harmony of government is a critical success factor for peace, cohesion and national development. By law established, the Deputy President, being the principal assistant to the President, assists the President-elect to deliver his mandate to the people of Kenya. He cannot take contrary orders by himself, or from any quarters whatsoever. A fallout between the President and his Deputy therefore portends a national risk that must be avoided. This will be the subject of our future discourse. These would certainly be hitting points for their competitor as they dash to the finish line.

The #RailaKarua ticket has re-united two leading pro-democracy compatriots who were brought together by the common bond to push for expanded democracy – the second liberation - in post-independence Kenya. They, therefore, have a chemistry. They are pragmatic politicians who understand why and how political coalitions are made while preserving individuality of member parties. They appreciate the value of loyalty, and how disharmony in leadership undermines national unity and developmental goals. There are numerous personal touch points between the two, with Hon. Karua leading a team of 27 legal experts to represent Rt. Hon. Raila in 1990 to prevent him from being detained yet again by the KANU regime. On her part, Hon. Karua has applauded Rt. Hon. Raila for his courage to stand alone with women parliamentarians during the 10th Parliament and to support their quest for affirmative action. Along with many other comrades, their continued and personal support for the participation of Kenyan women in leadership will go into the annals of Kenyan history.

Despite the fact that they took different paths at times, they remained on the same side of the divide – fighting for the ordinary citizens of Kenya to enjoy their equal rights, freedoms and liberties in a prosperous country as espoused in our National Anthem. Their approach has always been to be unrelenting in the pursuit of these ideals through peaceable methods, and to inscribe them in the Constitution as a means of securing future generations from potential dictators.

Raila Odinga has remained consistent in driving positive and peaceful democratic change. To a keen observer, a consistent thread in all his actions can be seen – fighting for expanded democracy that brings, liberty, equal rights, dignity as well as social and economic development to all people of Kenya. At no time has he left these ideals. Like a General, being a tactical politician who recognizes that there are multiple ways to winning, he makes political manoeuvres that yields the same desired results, albeit at minimal cost to the country. The dividends of his actions and efforts are numerous and evident, but the most obvious one that is worth mentioning is the devolution of power and resources from central to county governments that has, in the last 20 years, achieved rapid growth and development of all corners of Kenya according to the respective priorities of the people.

Corruption still remains the biggest impediment to the development of our country, sucking and decaying so much resources at the national and county government levels. The fight against graft has found an unyielding opponent in the #RailaKarua ticket. This duo is known by Kenyans as the most vocal anti-graft crusaders who have not hesitated to take tough actions within the law and through legislation to stop sleaze. No corruption charges have been proffered against them while serving within and outside government.?

In a nascent but robust and fast-maturing democracy like Kenya’s, maintaining the rule of law is crucial to sustainable peace and development of the country. The Azimio duo are believers in the rule of law, and have always publicly and privately submitted themselves to the judicial system, however uncomfortable it may be to them. Yet, their resolve to support the structuring of our legal system to deliver justice to all Kenyans has not waned. Recognizing that Constitution of Kenya 2010 is work in progress, and relying on their memory of historical injustices by past governments, this pair, therefore, unlike their competitors, presents a true chance at improving the constitution.

Having completed the first and second liberation, majority of our people still face economic challenges that stifle their personal development. Illiteracy, poverty and disease still confront Kenyans 60 years after independence. Unemployment, corruption, nepotism, hunger, high cost of living, lack of access to power and clean water, poor infrastructure, shortage of descent housing are some of the new enemies that the third liberation must attack. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga has in numerous occasions highlighted the need for the government of Kenya to deliver this Third Liberation – the Economic Liberation - of our people. As Kenyans go to this elections, they must intently interrogate the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja formations, their history, capabilities as well as intentions, and reflect on both the long and short term benefits and consequences of the choices that they will make in the ballot booth.

Growing up in Kimunye village, Kirinyaga County from a humble family, she would go to study law at the University of Nairobi and later became a magistrate before leaving to start her law practice. From here, she would represent many leading lights of the second liberation in treason cases, including Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and Hon. Koigi Wamwere. Later she would join national politics where she cut her teeth as a pro-democracy as well as human and women rights crusader, joining the team that would successfully push KANU to repeal Section 2 (a) of the Constitution of Kenya to allow multi-party democracy. She would later serve as Cabinet Minister for Water and later for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs under NARC and Government of National Unity administrations respectively. She finally resigned her post in April 2009 and later took over NARC-Kenya leadership. In recognition of her work, she received several awards from Human Rights Watch, Federation of Kenya Women Lawyers (FIDA), International Commission of Jurists Kenya (ICJ-K) and Law Society of Kenya (LSK). She is known for her integrity and strong personality that may be perceived to border abrasiveness.

By selecting the 65 year-old Karua to be his deputy, Raila Odinga has tapped a fine lady whose credentials go ahead to confirm her suitability for office of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. He has equally neutralized the Hustler-Dynasty narrative and the corruption tag being placed o Jubilee government by Kenya Kwanza brigade. But most significantly, by selecting a woman to the second most powerful seat in the land, Raila has re-affirmed his courage and confidence in women, and raised their profile at all levels of leadership, setting the country into a new stage of democracy. This ticket brings together Raila, a towering and fearless reformer and pan-Africanist on whose shoulder the country’s democracy stands, and Karua, a capable Deputy whose credentials are fit for the purpose. This is a team of resilient, patient and pragmatic nationalists of integrity, whose goal it is to seek higher good, protect national interests and collaborate for all-inclusive government. On balance, the Raila/Karua duo presents a safe pair of hearts that would nurture our democracy and bring prosperity within our borders.

On the question of whether Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is a spoiler to the Azimio candidate, it is fair to answer this question in view of his recent behaviors, actions and statements, and in comparison to the UhuRuto relationship. In numerous instances before Rt. Hon. Raila named his running mate, Hon. Kalonzo had given strong signals that he does not want to support Raila’s quest for Presidency. He has gone further to give conditions that must be negotiated and be met if he is to support Raila candidacy. Confident in his ability to influence the important Kamba voters, his argument is that he has supported Raila before, it is Raila’s obligation to support his Presidential bid now based on their NASA agreement, and that he is the most qualified and obvious running mate candidate for Raila ticket. These conditions point to what benefits would accrue to him specifically, but least to his party or to his community.

It is apparent that he has failed to establish healthy collaboration with the leading political stars in Ukambani, therefore creating a disjointed political orchestra. His inability to make quick principled decisions and stand consistently by them have brought questions to both his character and political astuteness. By stating that he would set off his campaign to be President immediately after the Assumption of Office indicates his lack of intention to support the government once assumed, and pointing to yet another scary phase of troubled relationship in the Presidency like what we have witnessed. These actions do not depict him in good light, but rather dim his political light and paint him as an impatient, indecisive, unprincipled self-seeker who would not do anything however right for the team if it does not support his personal interests. I am dismayed by the recent actions of this great son of Kenya, and I am of the view that either Hon. Kalonzo has to brutally review his politics going forward, or the party has to call its house to order.

@Raila Odinga @Kalonzo Musyoka @William Ruto @Martha Karua @John Kioria @Uhuru M. Kenyatta

#leadership #kenyadecides2022 #inawezekana #hustler #kenya #africa #kenyakwanza #RailaKarua #RutoGachagua