The self-proclaimed revolutionary intellectual, Miguna Miguna, made details of the closed-door meetings that led to the power-sharing deal between Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki after the heavily disputed 2007 General Election.
In his book, Peeling Back The Mask: A Quest for Justice in Kenya, the vocal lawyer accused Raila of betraying the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) during the highly-sensitive negotiation process.
“Raila decided to go for a coalition government without explanation or reason, which was what Kofi Annan had announced as the best way forward upon his arrival in Nairobi before he had even held meetings with the parties," an excerpt of the book disclosed.
Miguna claimed that the grand coalition idea was imposed by western nations who chose Annan as the instrument to deliver their intentions.
The revealing book claimed that Raila had taken a hard stance prior to the former United Nation (UN) Secretary General's arrival, urging his top leaders to back him as he demanded a re-run.
“Even as we go for mediation, we should not forget that Kenyans voted for change. Anything short of a re-run will be a fraud,’’ the ODM party leader allegedly declared to his party members at a strategy retreat held at the Maasai Lodge.
Former president Mwai Kibaki, on his end, was reportedly adamant that he had won the elections fair and square.
Miguna, in his book, claimed that the former president felt re-assured that he would end up as president after getting word that the US government was behind him.
This was mainly because the then US assistant secretary of State for African Affairs, Ms Jendayi Frazer, had recommended that Washington grant qualified recognition.
It took the efforts of former Cabinet Minister, Sally Kosgei, to force the US government to retract their statement and opt for the power-sharing deal instead.
“ODM, through Dr Sally Kosgei, piled pressure on Dr Condoleezza Rice seeking a retraction,’’ Miguna divulged.
The controversial lawyer went on to claim that Raila bowed to the pressure from the powerful western allies as well as unrelenting pressure from the likes of Caroli Omondi, Mohamed Isakia and Dalmas Otieno and took the deal.
“Raila and his team did not have the stamina and fortitude to stand their ground, conceding quickly as would subsequently become their new normal," Miguna retorted.
