The formation of
this cabinet was preceded by protests from Kenyan youth, who took to the
streets to voice their opposition to the punitive taxes proposed in the Finance
Bill 2024-2025. Notably, unlike the 2018 demonstrations, which were largely
driven by Odinga's political base, the current protests were spearheaded by
Generation Z, who feel betrayed by Odinga's decision to join the government.
Many Kenyans view
his move as a betrayal of their cause and a disheartening abandonment of his
former crusade for a better Kenya. The same generation that once hailed him as
a champion of reform and a symbol of hope now feels disillusioned by his
perceived selfish ambitions.
"How can you
prioritize appointing your allies to cabinet positions when the youths killed
by the same government have not even been buried?' one frustrated youth asked
during a recent protest in Nairobi, questioning the urgency of Odinga's
actions."
The appointment of
ODM's chairman, minority leader, and two deputy party leaders to cabinet
positions is a travesty to multiparty democracy, as ODM is a major opposition
party in Kenya's legislative organs, the Senate and Parliament with a primary
role of providing oversight and holding the government accountable for its
excesses. His actions have undermined this critical function, leaving a power
vacuum that threatens the very fabric of Kenya’s democracy.
It is ironic that
Odinga, who fought for multiparty democracy and was even detained for it during
President Daniel Moi's reign, has made this move. Odinga's decision has diluted
Kenya's political scene and undermined the vibrancy and national clout of the
ODM party.
This development is
a far cry from the expectations of Kenyans who revered Odinga as the
"Nelson Mandela" of Kenya, given his nine years of detention without
trial for fighting for democratic space. They expected him to remain a strong
advocate for reform until the end of his political journey, just like Mandela
did in South Africa. Instead, his political influence has been severely
diminished, regardless of his aspirations to capture the African Union (AU)
chairperson seat.
It is widely
acknowledged that during times of national crisis, leaders from diverse
political backgrounds should put aside their differences and work towards the
collective good of the country. While supporters of Odinga may view his recent
move through this lens, the majority perceive it as a self-centred decision.
This is because Odinga failed to consider the youth in the list of cabinet
appointments from his party, despite their significant role in driving the
recent protests against the government.
It is worth noting
that if Generation Z had not revolted against the current government, Odinga
would not have had the opportunity to have members of his party appointed to
the cabinet.
In essence, he is
reaping benefits from a field he did not cultivate or sow. This perceived lack
of consideration for the youth, who were instrumental in creating the
conditions for his party's inclusion in the government, has led many to view
his move as opportunistic and self-serving.
Critics argue that
Odinga's cabinet nominees, including billionaire politicians like Ali Hassan Joho
and Wickliffe Oparanya, should focus on creating sustainable enterprises that
generate employment opportunities for the poor and marginalized instead of
competing for government jobs meant for the underprivileged and unemployed.
Odinga's decision to
exploit the situation for personal gain, disregarding the principles of
integrity and accountability that once defined his legacy, has raised questions
about his true character.
Initiating a political
deal with the ruling government when Kenyans strive for self-determination is
an unfathomable tragedy for Kenya's democratic future. Odinga's political clout
has been punctured, and he should yield the leadership of the Azimio coalition
to Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement.
As Odinga nears the
twilight of his political career, he must begin nurturing emerging leaders to
pass the baton to. To redeem his image, he should own up and apologize
unequivocally for betraying the aspirations of Kenya's young people. Otherwise,
his political legacy, built over 40 years, maybe tarnished.
It is widely
acknowledged that during a national crisis, leaders from diverse political
backgrounds should put aside their differences and pursue the collective good
of the country. However, while supporters of Odinga may view his recent move
through this lens, the majority perceive it as a self-centred decision that
prioritizes personal gain over the greater good.
This perception is
fueled by Odinga's failure to consider the youth in the list of cabinet
appointments from his party, despite their significant role in driving the
recent protests against the government. The youth, who were instrumental in
creating the conditions for Odinga's party to be included in the government,
feel betrayed by his lack of consideration.
It is worth noting
that if Generation Z had not revolted against the current government, Odinga
would not have had the opportunity to have members of his party appointed to
the cabinet. In essence, he is reaping benefits from a field he did not
cultivate or sow.
This perceived lack
of consideration for the youth has led many to view Odinga's move as
opportunistic and self-serving. Some believe the ODM leader is genuine, while
others think it's time to expose his web of deceit and pretense.
Critics argue that
Odinga's cabinet nominees, including billionaire politicians like Ali Hassan
Joho and Wickliffe Oparanya, should focus on creating sustainable enterprises
that generate employment opportunities for the poor and marginalized instead of
competing for government jobs meant for the underprivileged and unemployed.
Odinga's decision to
exploit the situation for personal gain, disregarding the principles of
integrity and accountability that once defined his legacy, has raised questions
about his true character. Initiating a political deal with the ruling
government when Kenyans are striving for self-determination is an unfathomable
tragedy for Kenya's democratic future. Odinga's political clout has been
punctured, and he should yield the leadership of the Azimio coalition to
Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement.
Odinga's newfound
alliance with the current government has eroded the confidence Kenyans once had
in him. As he approaches the end of his political career, he must start
mentoring emerging leaders to ensure a smooth transition and allow a new
generation to take the reins. To redeem his image, he should unequivocally own
up to and apologize for betraying the aspirations of Kenya's young people. If
he fails to do so, his 40-year political legacy may be tarnished, leaving a
lasting impact on Kenya's political landscape.
Nyaringo, serves as
the President of the Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby group based in
the United States.
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