Mandela Foundation Hits at ODM

On 11/3/07, Lucy Kimani - LKIMANI@ . . . wrote:

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The spokesman of former South African President Nelson Mandela this afternoon issued a press release to express concern of the continued misuse of Nelson Mandela's image and character for selfish political mileage. Without mentioning names, the message read in part "with all due respect to those running for presidential election in Kenya, dragging and invoking Nelson Mandela's name in comparison of the content of character is uncalled for and should stop with immediate effect.

This message is seen to be in reference to the former Minister for Health, Charity Ngilu and others who consistently continue to refer Raila as the Mandela of Kenya in campaign rallies. Ngilu who was sacked recently by President Kibaki after she vowed to support the opposition presidential candidate Raila Odinga while in government is desparating trying to position herself in the party. She was recently admitted to the Pentagon. According to political analysts, Ngilu's move to ODM was not only a sign of i deologically deficient and political infidelity but also political suicide as her constituents support her arch rival Kalonzo Musyoka. Interestingly, Ngilu still cuddles the carcass of NARC. However, those privy to information within ODM reveal that she signed an MOU that Raila promised direct nomination to parliament if she loses her seat and direct appointment back to her former ministerial docket. It is for this selfish motive that Ngilu dares to show the world her little knowledge as she minimizes the great role that Mandela played in the liberation of South Africa from Apartheid. However, other Pentagon members have expressed discomfort with the MOU as they argue that she is a mere spent force.

Although the press release did not elaborate the reasons that Nelson Mandela is irked by what seems like comparing day and night, analysts believe that Mandela was personally very opposed to the attempted coup of 1982 which Raila was the chief Architect. Like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Mandela believed in none violence protest in search of freedom even when apartheid government met their peaceful demands with force. Unlike Mandela, Raila and Ngilu who are advocating hatred and division of the nation along tribal lines were in parliament where channels of peaceful protest through legislation were wide open and they failed to achieve what they are promising Kenyans today. ?The press release categorically stated that Nelson Mandela a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate does not advocate tribal animosity and cautiously reminded the candidates about ethnic strife in other countries. The statement said that Africa cannot afford another Rwandan genocide. This was in reference to the 1994 Hutu/Tutsi civil war that killed millions of innocent people.

Ngilu should therefore educate herself on issues and stop minimizing great achievements and honor that Mandela, a renowned world hero brought to his people. After 27 years of confinement, Hillary Clinton quotes Mandela in her book The Living History "as I walked out of the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison." Unfortunately, the 'man' that Ngilu misguidedly compares to Mandela is still in 'prison' as he roams the country spreading tribal hatred and advocating for majimbo. The whole world continues to admire Mandela's quiet strength and grace that brings paramount pride to the continent of Africa. Raila in his continued mental confinement is peddling violence and ethnic animosity with impunity and has shown his inability to bring Kenyan people together. He should first confess and apologize for the injustice and brutality that families of the coup faced under his unsuccessful and illegal scheme. Unlike Raila, Mandela understood the importance of institutionalizing forgiveness.

It is shameful and in bad taste to continue drawing parallels between Nelson Mandela and Raila Odinga. By so doing, the opposition is expressing a desperate move of a sinking campaign which is founded on propaganda and pathological lies. It's unfair and even criminal for Ngilu to think that Raila comes anywhere close to Mandela. Ngilu should not be ashamed of campaigning for Raila on his own record and desist from dragging a world leader in a pathetic and unfounded comparison. On the campaign trail Ngilu does not only appear uninformed but also a desperate opportunist trying to skew the public opinion and fuel euphoria.

Ngilu should know that unlike Mandela, Raila has consistently advised his followers to adopt a violent course of action as witnessed by acts of hooliganism perpetrated by his supporters. He has called upon his constituents not to honor their house rental bills. During the ODM launch, supporters refused to pay bus fare and threatened it's a matter of days before the government of Raila nationalizes all the wealth. ?Unlike Raila, Mandela looked ahead to South African reconciliation instead of back at the deep wounds of the past and showed personal integrity and great political courage.

Fortunately, the field days of mere opportunists seem to be dwindling as Kenyans will base their choice of leaders at the coming general election on those championing the causes and interest of the people and not parochial personal interests.

Dr. Shaban

Voice of Diaspora