forwarded by Adika Arende John

ODM war between reformers and reactionaries

--<>By JOHN CHERUIYOT

The ODM-K was bound to face stiff opposition from within and without. From within are reactionaries who are the real vestiges and relics of the old order. The referendum brought together reformers and reactionaries in 2005.

In LDP and KANU the chaff and grain were mixed. The wind of change has started to blow away the chaff. William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Uhuru Kenyatta and Kalonzo Musyoka are being blown to one side. They want to lead but they are too light to meet the aspiration and ideals of the people. There are many hurdles for some chaff in ODM-K. In essence, the war between reformers and reactionaries has began. The old order of self-seeking leadership is alive and kicking in ODM-K.

The group that was part of the government project in 2002 is part of the problem in ODM-K. They are still being manipulated to undermine reformers and visionary leaders in ODM-K.

The fact that swords have been unsheathed against reformers like Raila is a pointer to the fact that things are not well in ODM-K. ODM-K needs a major surgery. The infected parts should be removed. It will be a painful operation but a necessary one.

The killers of Ouko are afraid of Raila’s presidency. The looters and grabbers are afraid of Raila’s presidency. The corrupt are afraid of Raila’s presidency. The government has normalised the Goldenberg and Anglo Leasing. Corruption has continued as was the case in the previous governments. The Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki governments have not been any different.

The old order remains the order of the day. The tiny minority has continued to prosper while the majority continue to languish in poverty. The absolute poor have continued to sink into the depths of poverty. The current system has made a minority richer and powerful just as has been the case in the past.

Forces outside ODM-K are calling on its kind to cross over. The KANU forces are pulling their kind very hard. Already Uhuru has bowed and crossed over.

The pull is hard on Ruto, Musalia and Kalonzo. There are two forces all set on ODM-K. The KANU forces and those of Kibaki’s camp. In real sense all forces have set their guns on Raila. Indeed the real war is between Raila versus Moi and Kibaki and the old order. What is happening is that the forces for status quo and those of change are battling over the control of leadership in Kenya. It is a battle between forces of home guards and liberators of the nation.

It is thus obvious that Kenyans now wallowing in poverty are key in sorting out the mess. Luckily, they are getting smarter and more shrewd. They are able to see the two forces vividly and candidly.

Raila Odinga this time round has the backing of the masses. If ODM-K is held hostage by forces of the old order any party can do. Raila is not new to controversy. If ODM proves a snag another party is just as good.

jcruiyo AT yahoO DOt Kom