Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga ostensibly called for a rally at the famous Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, January 23, after a dossier by a whistleblower on August 9, 2022, presidential election.

On Saturday, January 21, Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango, in a statement to newsrooms, announced that the Azimio leader would land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday, January 23 at 11 am.

“Mr Odinga appeals to Kenyans to show up in large numbers at the Kamukunji Baraza, in the interest of the country,” Onyango stated. 

On Friday, January 20, the Azimio leadership challenged the electoral commission (IEBC) to allow a forensic audit of its servers to dispel claims by a whistleblower that Raila Odinga won.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka (centre) with other Azimio leaders during a media briefing at his Karen office on January 19, 2023. TWITTER

KALONZO MUSYOKA

Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his Narc Kenya counterpart Martha Karua, Azimio alluded that it had demanded full access to the servers during the presidential petition but this was denied by both the court and IEBC. 

Azimio cited a document provided by a whistleblower allegedly working at IEBC that indicated Odinga garnered 8,170,353 votes (57.3 per cent) against Ruto’s 5,915,973 (41.66 per cent). 

However, speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Political Analyst Martin Andati termed the push back by Odinga as lethargic and uninspiring.

“Raila is looking for relevance after Ruto announced that the previous administration was after kidnapping Chebukati, recently, they released unbelievable figures alluding to an Odinga win which was unrealistic.

They do all this because they have to react to Ruto’s attacks in order to maintain their support base,” he added.

Andati further remarked that political dynamics had changed in the country and that Ruto had started making inroads in opposition bases.

“Ruto has done three months already, and he has already reached out to Odinga’s bases. Further, the Supreme Court ruled on the August 9 elections and its decision was final." 

According to Andati, Raila can only do rallies as long as they do not end up destroying people's properties.

“Ruto will clamp down on the opposition if they are to hold rallies that would destroy people's properties. They can however hold their rallies as Ruto has been advocating for a robust opposition in the country,” he opined.

Odinga has been in South Africa since January 13, where he held meetings as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

He also held meetings with government leaders, NGOs and business leaders.  By ANZUGIRA PEREZ, Kenyans.co.ke