Former Chair of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission, Yash Pal Ghai, on Thursday explained the two things that National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga would lose if he went ahead with his plan to swear himself in as 'President'.
Penning an opinion piece on the Star, the constitutional expert advised the Opposition leader to abandon his inauguration agenda as it could undermine his overall vision for Kenya.
"That vision will also suffer greatly, in the event that he is sworn as “President”, for this will provide this blood-thirsty government with the opportunity to deploy its armed forces, with the consequence of more murders and the effective occupation of vast sections of the country.
"And given Kenyan politics, Raila will lose his “ardent” supporters, who will now no doubt seek Uhuru’s patronage, as some have done already," he explained.
[caption caption="File image of Former Chair of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission Yash Pal Ghai"]
[/caption]
Yash Pal Ghai opined that President Uhuru Kenyatta would not allow Mr Odinga to initiate any policies for development and justice in opposition strongholds.
"There is much talk of secession, but in these circumstances, the supporters of secession would not have the ability to bring it about. A major crisis will arise — and there is every likelihood that Raila and his team will be blamed for the consequences. This would undermine his status and standing," he stated in his article titled: Raila Odinga: President or Baba wa Taifa?
He further conveyed that if Raila was to be sworn in, he would lose his rightful title which is Baba wa Taifa (Father of the Nation) adding that a Ministerial position would not suit his status.
"But I have a positive reason for Raila’s abandoning the idea of the Presidency. It is to find a role outside the structures of the state, in order to reshape Kenya. We should proclaim him as the Baba wa Taifa (Father of the Nation), accepted even by those who are not his ardent supporters.
This is not an official role; its strength lies in people’s proclamation and acceptance of this title and role, and Odinga’s conduct as the national leader. His strength will not come from money or armed force, but his wisdom and sacrifice," Yash Pal Ghai stated.
He went further to mention India's Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King (US) who went on to initiate movements without any formal state office.
[caption caption="File image of Raila Odinga being sworn in"]
[/caption]
"So did Nelson Mandela, both before he became and after he ceased to be President. Julius Nyerere continued to influence Tanzanians well after he resigned as President.
"They were able to achieve these goals because people trusted them, and believed in their good faith and integrity," he elucidated.
