Whither with ODM Euphoria?

Lucy Kimani wrote:

Achilo Bennis wrote:

Whither with ODM Euphoria?
 
After learning that ODM had entered into a personal agreement with a section of Muslims leadership, the Kenyan electorate reacted quickly, determining that the matter reflected poor judgment on Raila Odinga's part. Kenyans it would seem have rightly concluded that the situation reflects not only lack of sound judgment that diminishes ODM's ability to lead the country but also threatens to plunge the country into unwarranted religious war. This situation can perhaps explain Raila's continuous downtrend in popularity rating as depicted in the recent Steadman poll.  In the recent past, Kenyans across the board have expressed a lot of displeasure with a lot of issues that have taken place:

1) The signing of a secret MOU with a section of Muslims leaders and the ODM leader promised to create an Islamic State through a majimbo system of government. It is not lost to political observers that the Kenyan population that comprises 80% Christians is extremely surprised by ODM's insinuation that the country lacks freedom of worship as provided in the constitution. Kenyans seem to wonder why Christians would deserve to be discriminated against while promising Muslims special treatment and alleging that the current government interferes with Muslims way of worship. This notion is aimed at creating uncalled for animosity along religious lines and a possibility of creating unreasonable conflicts based on religion.

While reacting to the secret pact with Muslims, the heads of churches have personally and collectively expressed fear that such underground arrangements based of religion have the prospect of plunging the country into religious and tribal war. Catholic Bishops said that the Church will not support the adoption of a majimbo system of government as proposed by political parties since it would divide the country. The Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC) that represent more than nine million followers expressed fear that their followers, property and assets would be evicted and seized. The KEC's fear is further validated by the secret MOU with Muslims that promises them and Islamic State through majimbo form of government. According to the church, Kenyans need a united nation and leaders who can specifically focus on how the country's unity can be safeguarded and diving the country into regions would serve to further escalate the heightened tribal tensions.

2) The ODM euphoria is waning is the realization by the youth that most of the promises are not SMART (Specific Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible) which can only be described as a disastrous web of deceit and trickery. For example, the ODM manifesto outlines general promises but not a single promise strategically answers the six "W" questions: Who, What, Where, When, Which, Which, Why. This drives to the conclusion that t he ODM manifesto sets no clear direction while the government's economic policies have worked. The youth have categorically decided to write their business plans and claim the unprecedented funds that the government has made available so that they can empower themselves. After being invited several times to throw stones and yell at opponents, the youth of Kenya have decided enough is enough with ODM.

Without laying out a clear road map, the manifesto is nothing short of rhetoric. For example, when ODM promises Kenyan an electrified rail system, one wonders what specifically is to be accomplished. What specific locations will the rail system run, when would the project be implemented, how much will it cost and is the funds available. Keen political observers think that ODM leadership is suffering from a hung over caused by many trips to US and US that they seem to assume that those countries developed over night through day dreaming without proper planning of resources.

3) The Dick Morris debacle created displeasure among the Pentagon members in particular and the ODM supporters in general. Those close to Pentagon memebers reveal that there was intense disagreement in the first place about hiring Dick Morris and when finally the America sneaked out of the country after the worst political goof, Raila didn't apologize to his supporters nor did he and explain the lapse behavior that clearly illustrates lack of judgment.

4) Raila's lack of religious affiliation is another questionable issue as most Kenyans are God fearing, Muslims and Christians alike.   Although recently the ODM reader revealed that he was an Anglican Church member, an attempt to find his church record was fruitless. This leads political analyst to wonder if ODM leader can lie about his faith and his personal relationship with God, what he can't lie about. This raises the issue of character and ethics which are crucial considerations to the voters.   This author spoke to Mama Maria who intimated that customary Nyasaye is worshiped and believed to be the creator of humanity and the universe. She further said that today approximately 90% are Christians and many have even founded a number of independent Christian churches. What surprised her however is that a son that they want to place on the seat of power can engage in witch craft.

5) Popular ODM aspirant who were replaced with total political rejects who are now baptized as high profile loser and co-opted to Pentagon has not only demoralized the supporters but has also demonstrated  to the world the content of Raila's character.

6) Supporters seem to be rethinking about the presidential campaign dubbing 'The Thunder' and the threat that Kenyan are to witness political tsunami as negative preposition that depict violence and evil intentions. Those who have watch violent movies such as Evil Dead or Aliens attest to the impression created by Raila when he ceaselessly invoke these words. The voters who are now fleeing ODM seem to be in need of a more positive message and not be scared or coerced to support a particular party. More importantly this brings out the real character that enable Raila become the chief architect of the deadliest coup in Kenya . Political analysts feel that the voters would probably stick with the party if Raila took time to meet the families of the '82 coup victims to personally explain this role and apologize for the violence and loss suffered.

7) Last and probably most important, Raila's early concession of 2007 general election has not gown down well with many dies hard who are wondering why the captain as they fondly refer to him is over obsessed with the 2012 elections when President Kibaki will be curtailed by the constitution to run again. Raila removal of his eye ball from the coming election is a clear indication that he has sensed defeat and he is contemplating running in 2012. He seems to be concerned that President Kibaki will not support him then in favor of Uhuru.  It is not lost to keen political o0bservers that Raila is trying to be everything to all people and the idea of being all over the map is making a lot of supporter flee his campaign as indicated by the recent Steadman poll.

In sum, while many Kenyan agree that the current government still have a lot of work to do to fulfill 2002 campaign pledged, they also appreciate the processes that have been put in place. For example, the government has established concrete measure to curb corruption as gurus of good governance seem to agree that corruption is mainly caused by the presence of unnecessary bureaucracies and loopholes. A practical example is the need which existed to bribe officers in order to obtain government documents such as driver license, pass port, business licenses, birth certificate and National ID.   The current government has received local and international recognition for creating a conducive business climate, restructured the civil service and cut down bureaucracy thus making it easy for doing business according to a World Bank Doing Business 2007 report that ranks 175 economies on the ease of doing business, Kenya scored 6th place in Africa and five more year of the current government, any business will have the opportunity to thrive.   Thus the youth have decided to take the advantage and become young business men instead of young stone throwers, yellers and hecklers.

Dr. Achilo Bennis