ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday delivered a strongly–worded statement to mark Kenya’s 53rd Jamhuri Day Celebrations.
Odinga’s statement appeared to draw attention to the recent defeat of incumbent Presidents and Prime Ministers in elections held in several West African countries.
“The transfer of power, especially in west Africa in recent years, is sending signals to the rest of Africa that our citizens, who have seen and endured so much pain and betrayal, are marching ahead, sadder but wiser and will not allow the continent to revert to the era of single-party dictatorship, presidents for life, unconstitutional stays in office and, most importantly, the return of kleptocracies,” Odinga’s statement read in part.
Odinga was making reference to the elections in Nigeria, Ghana, and Gambia where the incumbents have been defeated.
The former Prime Minister was careful not to make any direct relation in these countries with Kenya – but instead made a general conclusion that the trend would be reciprocated across Africa.
“Africans seem to be tired of corruption and are looking for leaders who will fight it openly and honestly,” Odinga stated.
He added: “They understand that the key to fighting corruption is a President or a Prime Minister who is genuinely committed to eradicating the vice; who commands the confidence of the people; and is prepared to lead from the top”.
In what he referred to as “interesting trends”, Odinga concluded by prophesying that more Presidents and Prime Ministers will be punished on the ballot until the "democratic transition is completed".
