Kibaki and Raila emissaries converge in US

By Verolis Ogoye

An ODM-K trouble shooter Mr. Miguna Miguna was in New York this past weekend apparently defusing jitters noted lately amongst the Diaspora constituency of ODM-K supporters. This follows the current commotion in the ODM-K house attributed to Raila- Kalonzo political fissure.

Mr. Miguna, a lawyer by profession is a long time human rights activist and today a close confidant of Hon Raila Odinga . He is also an aspiring MP for Nyando constituency.

Kibaki's side was also present in the naiboring state of New Jersey in the person of Mr. Oginga Ogego the Kenyan ambassador to United States. Mr Ogego engaged in what would be considered a home delivery of government services.

The publiceyesite editorial reported that Mr Ogego literally moved staffers from both his DC and New York consulate office to process immigration documents during his Jersey City visit. This public relations gesture took many Kenyans present by surprise. It strayed from the negative attitude noted with officers of Kenyan diplomatic missions that was often observed in the past.

In New York, Mr Miguna and his associates were busy the whole weekend making contacts with known reform personalities and Raila campaign sponsors in the Diaspora. Mr Miguna engaged people like the coordinators of Raila campaign in the North Eastern Region Dr Ayaga and Mr Obell Nyanja.

Mr Miguna was the main guest in a big rally at Forest Avenue Hall in Monroe New York attended by hundreds of Kenyans some of whom traveled from as far as Pennsylvania.

Mr Miguna's speech appeared to have responded to ODM supporters in Diaspora who are concerned that the popular party might break up. Miguna's presense was a relief to many of them as he candidly expressed that ODM will be ok and intact when all is over.

Mr Miguna's rally was also addressed by Dr Sam Oyugi, Mr Andrew Okungu, chairman ODM-USA, Dr Omburo the Chairman of Raila 2007 North America Region, Mr Tom Ogindo and one of New York State Attorney who hails from Nyando, Mr Joab Agar.

In New Jersey Mr Ogego appeared to tackle one of the major social and economic issues amongst Kenyan immigrants in his speech at Jersey City.

He addressed the issue of funeral cost. There is probably an average of four funerals per week that has to be sustained by goodwill among Kenyan immigrants all over United States. Mr. Ogego was definitely on target when he pointed out that a means of servicing these funerals must be established.

Most Kenyans observed the weekend as a moment of competition between Kibaki government and the main opposition party ODM-K to find favor with Kenyans in Diaspora. Many feel it is something that ought to translate back at home in Kenya. Much will be realized if government is customer oriented and the opposition keeps them on their toe.

Note.
The Author; Ms Verolis Ogoye is an independent Kenyan Political observer living in New York USA.