Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has disclosed political manoeuvers that led former Prime Minister Raila Odinga into what she described as a strategic trap set by President William Ruto.
Karua's revelations highlight the complex dynamics within Kenya's political landscape and underscore the personal and strategic challenges faced by prominent political figures.
Karua explained that Raila Odinga, leader of the opposition and a key figure in Kenyan politics, withdrew from active opposition to focus on securing the African Union Commission (AUC) seat, a position for which he needed the backing of the Kenyan government.
“Raila sort of withdrew to campaign for the AU seat for which he needs government backing. He has to be proposed by the government of Kenya and I think this is where the trap fell and you can see the timing of entering the government is the submission of his formal submission,” Karua stated. The timing, as Karua noted, was crucial. Raila's shift towards seeking the AU seat coincided with a period when support from the government became indispensable.
This, according to Karua, was where the trap was laid by President Ruto. By requiring Odinga to seek government endorsement, the President effectively neutralised a key opposition leader, ensuring that Raila's ambitions were tethered to the administration's approval.
In what President Ruto termed as a broad-based government, the Azimio leader donated some of the top minds from ODM to be nominated into cabinet positions in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Ruto nominated ODM deputy leaders Ali Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, National Assembly Minority Whip Opiyo Wandayi and national chairman John Mbadi.
Reflecting on her own political journey, Karua drew parallels between Raila's situation and her own resignation from President Kibaki's government.
“I think even within government, even if we had gone in together and something that is totally contrary to one's belief happens, it is possible to say enough is enough. I resigned from Kibaki's government. I didn't have to call him names, I just went to the backbench and enjoyed myself with less money, without power and privileges,” she remarked.
Karua's resignation, a significant event in Kenyan politics, was driven by her principles and a clear stance against policies she did not support.
This act of stepping down, as she elaborated, was not about titles or power but about integrity and staying true to one’s beliefs.
"What we must understand as leaders, is leadership is not a title deed which you acquire and you wave at people saying this is for five years. It can be recalled by people who bestowed that privilege upon you. Also, events can make you exit earlier," Karua emphasised.
Her comments serve as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of political power and the importance of accountability to the electorate.
"People must get used to a vocabulary called resignation," Karua asserted, highlighting the necessity for leaders to prioritise the public good over personal ambition.
Karua, a stickler to the rule of law abandoned the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Raila Odinga and has not announced her next political move. By Hebrews Rono, Kenyans.co.ke
