Citizen TV's anchor Yvonne Okwara tore into Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, ahead of the party's planned Kibra nominations.
Speaking during the News Gang show on Thursday, September 5, Okwara blasted Raila and popular Kibra aspirant DJ Kriss Darlin for mere political play, accusing the two of making a mockery of democracy.
"The campaigns for Kibra by-election are now in high gear. The final picture of the chessboard with all players is beginning to take shape. But one glaring image that epitomises this race, in general, is that of one of the contenders, DJ Kriss Darlin, kneeling before ODM Party leader, Raila Odinga promising to fight for him and defend him should he win the seat.
"The issue is striking in many ways. First, because it is the image of a fully grown man kneeling before another man. The reactions were swift, with some feeling that this was some act of worship only reserved for God," she lashed out.
Okwara went on to state that party leaders emphasize on loyalty more than even proven track records of aspirants and politicians.
"Others said that one does not win the party nominations out of merit but through total submission to part leaders thereby making a mockery of democracy. Kriss defended his move stating that he did it out of respect. However, if Kriss thinks he is going to parliament to fight for Raila, then perhaps the role of MPs has changed from what I used to know it to be - Representation, legislation and oversight on behalf of people of Kibra.
"It was not necessary for Kriss to kneel before Raila as the DJ has a proven track record of working with communities in Kibra and has initiated a number of projects to benefit the communities living there. This alone puts him in good space to win the election," Okwara lamented.
The endeared anchor further blasted all Kenyans for tearing into the popular DJ over his move, yet all had the same mentality as him.
"The dramatic move showed us that our politics still has a long way to go. Are we different form him? Don't we elevate ethnic kingpins to the status of demigods? Don't we fight on their name, cheer them on as they insult each other? Don't we turn against our neighbours and vote not on merit but personality?
"We are not different from Kriss as we do it in our minds and hearts. Let us give him a break, shall we?" Yvonne stated.
On Thursday, September 5, Raila Odinga assured the 11 aspirants that the nomination process would be just and fair. ODM will conduct the nominations on Saturday, September 6, and its nominee will run against Jubilee's McDonald Mariga among others.
Watch the video, courtesy of Citizen TV.
