Irony of Ethnic politics

It is ok for some people to paint a wrong picture of Raila Odinga with the abortive coup of 1982 yet Raila was detained without trial, tortured and released because of lack of evidence that could connect him with this coup. So the soldiers sought for logistical advise from him, does that make him the planner or mastermind? Which military coup in the whole wide world has ever been masterminded and managed by a civilian? This is a cheap shot at Raila by people who are anti reform. Kenyans suffered during Moi's rule. That is the truth! Many innocent lives were killed using dangerous chemicals during the Moi dictatorship. The families that lost their loved ones during the Mwakenya and Pambana days would tell you about their loss. The question is were these deaths justifiable? Did Moi take oath of office after Kenyatta to dictate to Kenyans and misrule the country? What happened to the Bill of Rights? "Opanyi Atito", Mwai Atito's son, a simple business man who owned and operated a small bar and restaurant was invaded by special branch in Homa-Bay, arrested and detained without trial. The next thing everyone heard was that the guy was killed in police custody. The reason for his arrest, was that the special branch found pambana and mwakenya in his restaurant and bar. No proof was made that he owned the documents or that he had anything to do with them. For all we know, special branch were spies for the Moi government and would plant such documents on people they didn't like. My question is did this man die justly? Who is responsible for his death? Moi was the President and Kibaki was his VP.

Right now we have some people vilifying Raila about this 1982 coup and they do not have any facts to link Raila with this coup. The coup happened 25 years ago, which to me is history and nothing that is done or said today can make things better about this coup. When Raila says that those who committed economic crimes need to be tried in court of law and punished or better still, asked to return the stolen wealth and ask for forgiveness through a TRCB, some people become very loud about how this may be a bad idea that could lead to anarchy. Who stole with them? Who shared or are sharing the wealth they stole? How many Kalenjins are enjoying life because Moi was their president and stole wealth. Very few if any! Where did Gideon Moi and Phillip make all that money from? (over 500 million pounds each). Can anyone tell me what jobs these guys have been doing that other kenyans have not done to make so much money. What about Uhuru? Uhuru's networth is over 700 million shillings. One person, who has not worked in Kenya, unless someone can tell me about his curricula. What about Kibaki. He owns Silver springs and several beach hotels. How did he acquire all these?

Should we assume that he is a shrewd businessman and made his wealth because he studied economics and was a finance minister and kenya's VP?

As kenyans we need to look at the bigger picture. Lets step out of the box and think pragmatically. What is best for Kenya. Mine opinion is the change that ODM is bringing to Kenya and with Raila at the head we should expect justice and equity in distribution of national resources. We need to have a trim cabinet that reflects the true image of Kenyan society not a tribal outfit as it is today. One needs to apply for a job with a private company, parastatal, goverment, non governmental or any other business entity with any prejudice. Kenya ought to be an equal opportunity environment where any kenyan can do business in any part of the country without intimidation.Long live ODM. Vote Raila for President. That's the true change Kenyans have been yearning for.

Julius Okelo