Welcome! This blog will provide a means for readers, political analysts, sympathizers and opposers alike an opportunity to voice their concerns about issues raised in the new biography on Raila Odinga. The book is an objective account of the man and his times and thus we appreciate all comments in the hopes that constructive criticism and praise will educate all participants. The blog will be as liberal as possible as we believe all opinions must thrive.
To spark of our first discussion is an excerpt from the book review. We will also be posting other topics raised in the book and contacting various stake holders in Kenya to post discussion topics.
Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan politics, a book by Dr. Babafemi Adesina Badejo traces the journey of one individual, Raila Amolo Odinga, as he negotiates the treacherous political terrain of post-independence Kenya. Dr. Badejo draws upon his enviable skills as a political analyst – he has served as a senior political advisor for the United Nations in Somalia and Liberia and wrote his PhD dissertation at UCLA on politics and planning in Pakistan – to construct a compelling account of key events in the conception and existence of the Kenyan state.
His achievement is to render accessible both the complex political history of Kenya and the personal story of one of the most influential and controversial actors on the contemporary Kenyan political scene. “Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan Politics” is an excellent introduction for the uninitiated to the complex landscape of Kenyan politics…read more “-
Dr. Jeremy Matam Farrall, University of Tasmania, Australia
Disclaimer: All view expressed in the comments page are those of the writers and in no way represent the views of Yintab Books nor the Author, Dr. Babafemi Badejo
July 15, 2006 at 10:33 am
I find i extremel strange to see Raila imagine that we are ok with coup plotters. Coups are not the best thing for any country or society.”!!! it plunges societies into ruins and leads t untold human suffering.
I gather from the fact that Raila is a socialist sympathiser, He would like to impose the Fidel Castro type of reforms in Kenya.
Fidel was successiful partly because of the immense support from USSR!! Now USSR is no more, where will you get the financial support from??
Congolese people , in a bid to remove an internationally acknowledged dictator ended up in turmoil, deaths and suffering up to today.
Ivorians tried the same, it took the two decade s behind..
Mugabe a socialist has tried, He has failed miserably.
In today’s world people should learn to coeist witheach other and accept that we cannot all be presidents. Not all 30 million plus kenyans wil bepresidents in their lives, in fact Presidency in 21 century is no joke!! People are too demanding and unreasonable!!!
I still cannot trust Raila who by the way now deserves a ‘hang mans noose’ for his role in 1982coup.
My fellow Kenyans let us understand one thing,. . The fact that the president is from your community does means little ,, What we should be asking for is affirmaive action eqal oppoertunity for all in terms of civil service jobs and also accountability.
July 16, 2006 at 6:32 am
Hey,
Don’t look for excuses. i can tell what part of Kenya you come from. Do you think hanging Agwambo is the right thing? You gave examples of DRC, Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe where people are suffering.
Just because one ethnic hate this Man, does not constitute to him being hanged. in fact it will be a disaster to hang Agwambo, be it that what he did was illegal or not. The situation in Kenya can be worse than what we’ve witnessed in those example countries you gave.
I know MKM are desparately looking for reasons to tame him. I know they will take anything however silly is seems. (like the coup attempt) Just as he said before… “…niko mweupe kama pamba” they will search and search…sorry, not Raila, maybe Muite or Tuju.
July 16, 2006 at 5:30 pm
I have just ordered the book from Amazon.com and will be back with more informed comments after reading the book.
I must however say that the Kenyan political landscape requires very complex planning and execution to wrestle power from the few and decentralize it for the good of the rest of the country. Despite all the official thievery by the current government, we now know that the economy is resilient enough to sustain itself. If we cobble together a more responsive government and tame the rampant corruption, we could easily move from the group of poorest countries in the world to emerging economies comparable to the Asian countries.
Whereas Raila is not an angel (I have read many comments picking on every little mistake he has ever made), there is no doubt in my mind that he is the only political leader in the country, at the moment, who has undergone the political tempering process and come out mature, patient, calculating and with an almost complete understanding of the political equation required to move Kenya to the next stage. I must say that this is a painfully slow process. When I left college in 1981, our economy was comparable to Singapore and the other then emerging economies. We all believed that within the decade we would join the industrialized world. This was not a dream; we just suffered a major mis-step of allowing Moi to ruin the country completely. For two and a half decades, the systems which had been instituted were plundered and destroyed reducing the country to abject poverty. Never again should Kenyans allow any such mediocrity in the leadership of our country. I have always maintained that Moi simply did not have the intellectual capacity to run a country; His sense of leadership did not rise to the level of sophistication necessary to run a country aspiring to be industrialized.
Although Raila has not been in an executive leadership position long enough to give ample opportunity for assessment, we can get a glimpse during his brief tenure as the minister for Roads and Housing. The plans that came forth were so sound for both sectors, that had he continued at the ministry, without interference from treasury and the other power brokers, I believe the Kenyan infrastructure would be very different today.
As I mentioned I will be back after reading the book.
July 17, 2006 at 4:22 pm
In this dire age that Africa is attempting to rise out of all the problems that afflict it, we need leaders who are both selfless and fearless.
Africa has the greatest divide between the poor and the rich, in fact it is no longer a matter of debate that the middle class has been continously thinning and the poor growin. Wealth therefore can only be headed in one direction.
The current president of Kenya, those around him and those that he represents are all benefactors of the colonial period and do not have the poor man at heart.
Raila has risen well out of tribal politics and has shown Kenyans that he can work with anyone. He has also shown the drive that we need in African leaders as we struggle to get rid of past colonial sacks and rise out of poverty.
This new book on Raila will not just help us understand him better, but for once Kenyans will be voting a president they can proudly say they know more than anyone else they have ever voted.
Africa, not just Kenya, need devotees like Raila.
July 18, 2006 at 9:21 am
For starters, Raila has risen out of tribal politics and has shown Kenyans that he can work with anyone within the republic. He is both selfless and fearles and has the poor man’s interests at heart. It is therefor not surprising that some Kenyans from one ethnic background do not like him. Agwambo was charged by the previuos regime for participating on the coup. Hanging him now will not do us any good
It is also true, if I may quote Gilbert, that the current president of Kenya and those around him are benefactors of the colonial period. We should not let these guys divert our attention from Anglo leasing saga, just as they did with the Artur brothers!
Let us all read the book then debate on the same.
July 19, 2006 at 8:15 am
Andy,
Even though I have not read this book, I can deduce from your comments that you have not read it either. It is clear from the reviewer that this book is not about the abortive coup and communism as you would like us to believe. Open your eyes and see that the problem in Kenya is not about tribes but it is about the haves and have-nots. Unfortunately, the haves have cunningly ensured that the have-nots continue to think it is about tribes. Like Juma, I want first to read the book before I can make any further comments.
July 19, 2006 at 9:27 am
Whether or not Raila has the poor man’s interests at heart is debatable. He has represented the largest slum in Africa for 15yrs now and not a single question in parliament nor can we see any poverty eradicating projects he has embarked on with the CDF funds he recieves.
The book dissapointingly looks back at his political life and offers very little on his vision for the future. It begs for sympathy for his suffering but doesnt engage or motivate towards making tomorrow any better.
The part on the coup though trivial should in my opinion have been left out although we are long past that.
The other problem is the lack of the voice of an honest critique. Nowhere does the author engage the thoughts of anyone with a different view on Raila
Whether he is a nationalist, pan africanist or tribal chief is still debatable. The book doesnt talk about the man, his principals or his life neither does it reveal his personality, rather it observes him as a politician. It also doesnt give his thoughts on important ideologies and issues afflicting the country or region.
Despite that it’s required reading for Kenyans interested in their country.
Read and decide whether it’s worth your while.
July 19, 2006 at 1:47 pm
I read alot of anti-Raila sentiments in this blog and many other forums on the net. What I miss out is an applicable suggestion of a formidable political alternative in todays Kenya. Most of the contributers in these blogs/forums just hang on the same issues; a president from one’s community doesn’t neccesarily translate to goodies for the community in question, Raila should go to jail for his role in ‘82 coup attempt etc. Does Kibaki and his handlers feeel the same way. How about his pluderous ministers? Say he was executed after the ‘82 event, who would have proclaimed “Kibaki Tosha”? And would Kibaki be president today?
Most of the political elites in kenya today know much more than the ordinary mwanainchi can comprehend about Raila’s involvement/or lack of it in ‘82 coup. Some of them even helped him dodge security agents after that. So why the hypocracy now? Why didn’t they support Moi to have him locked away then, or do they want to feign ignorance, and claim that it is the autobiography that has openned their eyes? People should treat Kenyans with much more respect than this.
It is true tribal politics doesn’t help much in improving the peoples lives. But would anyone stand up and tell me that its only Raila that is benefiting from todays tribal political dispensation? And if he is not the only one, why is it not important to ask all the others to shun this tribal political path? Ruto ia banking of Rift Valley because it is “kalengin dominated” Kalonzo and Ngilu are eying for Kamba voters as their political power base, the Gema in the central have a weakness for Kibaki and his inept and kleptomanic administration just because he identifies with them. The one time respectable industrialist Chris Kirubi has even been in public encouraginging his tribesman to reclaim their position in Kenya. So who is not trabal?
I should not be understood to be defending Raila, because I also have issues with his ability to nurture true democratic tendancies. What I suggest independent thinking Kenyans must realise is that Kenya needs a leader with genuine guts. Someone who dare make tough decision for the PUBLIC GOOD. We should not just be blinded by our impatience to realise the western standard of democracy in a space of 43 years (1963-2006). The western style which we so much admire (see how we are ready to spend nights on queues just to get VISA to a westen destination) is a result of many years of fixing and adjustments, and it continues to date. The Americans began working on theirs somewhere in 1700’s and the Europeans had their structures in place much earlier in form of Mornarchy and the informidable Church. They had their wars-the last ones being the Serbian one, forget about the one they prefer calling first world and second world wars, their human rights abuses, their disregard for environment etc. before they got to where they are today. That is how long they have travelled. Borrowing from history, we need to be prepared to walk some distance before we get “there”. We have to unlearn our already preconcieved ideas of what good living is. Today we admire people base on how many cars they have and how many servants they comand. In UK Tony Blair takes pride and earns himselve political mileage by showing off how he changes daipers for his kid, how he contributes in keep his house clean and making food for the family. Some should tell me which Kenya would do all these and still “feel” he/she is importanting, having a good life? No many and it is just because our way of looking at our own existence is twisted. We still want to have servants to shout at because our superious do that to us, something they learnt from the colonial masters. Kibaki, a product of colonial times, calls his driver pumbavu in public. We can teach him new habits, but we can learn them ourselves and teach our children.
Another thing is that people seem to think that if they accuse Raila of being a Socialist, then that would make him look unfavourable in the eyes of the voters. The understanding is that socialism is bad, just look at USSR, Cuba and Tanzania. Take a minute and look at the Scandinavians system. Is it not inspired by socialist tendancies? I may need to point out that it is in Scandinavia that the state guarantees assistance to acquire basic need to its citizens from craddle to grave. Is that not something good, something we would like? We may not like that model because we are all bent on the hyped up american “get-rich-and-show-off ” kind of ecomonic model where our imagination is inspired by the highlife we in Hollywood. But take a second minute and think about the poor Americans from New Orleans we recently saw on TV. Ain’t they also Americans? Why ain’t they just as ostentetious as the ones we see in Hollywood? That kind of scene would never be found anywhere in the Scandinavia today because of their socialist inspired political tendancies. The co-operative system whch helps the poor majority come a long way is a creation of socialist thinking. If Raila is a socialist, then he would earn some points from these positive issues that characterised socialistic ideology.
Fellow Kenyans, lets think deeper and look back into history before we make sweeping statements that are just superficial in nature. We should try and stimulate our people to think for themselves, come up with workable alternatives to improve their lot.
July 19, 2006 at 6:09 pm
I am surprised people are pretending to be making intelligent comments without even reading the book. There are 22 chapters in the book as well as a prologue and an epilogue. Only one was on the coup attempt. Less than 10 pages of about 385 pages. What can be learnt from the process of decolonisation and the documentation of political assassinations and state repression under Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi that are documented in the book? How was National Rainbow Coalition realised and what does this process teach on the move towards coalitions for 2007? What are the contributions of Raila to the development of capitalism in Kenya?
Let’s throw away tribal glasses on the internet and examine issues.
July 20, 2006 at 9:55 am
Raila can never be described.He is as the name suggests AGWAMBO
July 20, 2006 at 2:22 pm
I thought I knew this Man. alas! I don’t. can someone see what I’m seeing. Looks like Agwambo’s critics will run out of reasons ans excuses why this Man should not be electected. Raila has addressed and countered everthing that the most vocal of his critics used to accuse him of.
this is the man. I don’t see why we sould not give him a chance. he’s done what, if I’m not wrong, no one in kenya has ever done
July 20, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Raila is a great politician, he has charisma and clout. He has the pulse of the wananchi on his hand too. He will continue to struggle to win political power, in fact, he might be remembered as the best president kenya never had.
July 20, 2006 at 4:56 pm
Having lived in Kenya for a year, and having been a regular and keen follower of the news and political developments, i must say he impresses me. He is a pan africanist at heart, i see him on many ocaasions dressed in west African grand boubou. He is a grass roots politician. He loves his country and his people. However, i also believe he might best be remembered as the best presiedent kenya never had.
July 22, 2006 at 5:42 pm
politics is the biggest game in kenya, and so many politicians join the game knowing only one pattern, and they play it dirty, but raila can play it any momment with any pattern as per the moods of the people regardless of the situation so the other players let the past to determine the future instead of putting it as a future reference.
July 23, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Hey let us just face it, no other perso in the whole republic of Kenya ever since has been capable of moving the masses allover the country like Agwambo, sure he has moved out of tribal polics to be a true Nationalist. Despite all the chalanges he hve been able to overcome them and emerge victorious. He has got all my support. I HAVE NEVER VOTED BEFORE. BUT FOR AGWAMBO’S SAKE, MY VOTE IS IN THE BALOT BOX IN SUPORT OF RAILA COME 2007
July 23, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Raila is still the greatest politician in the land given the fact that he serves the interest of the common Mwanainchi. I hence believe that come 2007 I and my Entire family members will support him fully
July 24, 2006 at 11:44 am
Jaluos continue giving fake comments!
July 24, 2006 at 11:46 am
Who doesn’t know the comments are coming from village men from Agwambos?
July 24, 2006 at 1:58 pm
I guess in the history of this country, we are yet to see anyone who can compare him/herself to this man called Agwambo. We have seen that he is a person who goes for what he bilieves is right.Many of this politicians who are calling for his arrest i can say have misplaced priorities, where were they when Moi was ruining this country, many of them were comfortable oversees just waiting for an opportune time,of course made possible by what the likes of Koigi, Matiba, Raila and the likes struggled to achieve.Before we critisize this man, we should thank him hugely for assisting in the bringing down of Moi govt, if only the loudest speakers assisted in the attaining of second liberalisation!!For all i know, if it was not for this man,Moi would have easily won the 2002 elections, thanx once again to this man who was able to tear KANU apart right in the middle.WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED FOR SOMEONE TO DO TO BE CONSIDERED A NATIONALIST – Almost 10yrs in jail and you still afford to do the same thing i.e struggle for the liberalisation and freedom.
July 24, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Raila is lucky to be in parliament. He rides on his father’s shadow and the fact that he inherited a mantle. He is not a man on his own, circumstances have made him so.
Besides his role in the coup now justifies all the detention he suffered under Moi.
I will still maintain. A man who represents the largest slum in Africa and cannot even push for their welfare in parliament prooves that Raila is NOT development minded.
In our day and age we dont need politics, we need development. He doesn’t qualify.
July 24, 2006 at 2:46 pm
I only sympathise with those who think that Raila is a tribalist and only lucky to be in parliament after taking a ride on his father’s wings! Surely doesnt Mzee Odinga have other sons and daughter! When Raila said Kibaki Tosha and Kenyans roared back in affirmation “KIBAKI TOSHA” was he still Luo or he became Kikuyu for a moment! Agwambo is a TRUE NATIONALIST and NO TRIBAL OVERTONE FROM ONE ETHNIC GROUP shall kill the great Kenyan dream which is being nartured by this man Raila. From here in South Africa, we wish RAILA and his dreams GREAT PROPSERITY and KENYA, A GREAT FUTUREUNDER HIM!
July 25, 2006 at 6:56 am
Hey,
I’ve always been a supporter of Brave men, people like Raila Odinga.The M.P has done a Commendable thing to allow the publishing of the Book,because it will give an insight to both the Lovers and the Haters of Raila who might have pursued their wmotions without the personal knowledge of Mr.Raila Odinga.I have to confess the book has cemented my belief that i’ve all along had , in since I ever got a knowledge of politics in kenya together with my Grand fathers Pr. Maathew Wandiga and The late Greshon Rota, who instilled in me the need to have belief in the Odinga’s Family brand Of politics.I admire and completely respect Mr. Odinga, and i’ll fully woo, my fellow youth both in karachounyo and Nairobi where i’m usually based to support Mr. Odinga’s ambition to bring Change to the common Man in kenya.I love you Mr. Odinga and best of luck in everything you pursue,we are right behind you.For the haters of Raila , my piece of advice to you is that before you hate the man, Try knowing Him on a personal level, don’t just belive in the heresay, for the fanatics lets transcend Raila’s popularity to votes.Thanks
July 25, 2006 at 11:53 am
this is the for kenyans to see the man and judge him rightly though i believe alot shal be said dont go with masses like before
July 25, 2006 at 1:18 pm
My dear people of kenya,let us all ponder just a while and sink into our brains some of undeniable facts about this kenyan son AGWAMBO.If there is anyone who championed for the freedom of speech that stemmed up democracy in this lovely nation it is this man.Regardless of whether you hate or love this man he brought us transformation that his critics are not willing to swallow.Lets abondon our pride and give him respect where due.Let us not be rigid and ignorant but aknowledge the delicate role he played in shaping the political lndscape of this beautiful country.Everyone seem to forget that all the political freedom that we see today can be attributed to his endless strugle to bring change in our midst.I am utterly dismayed by individuals who say that Raila is not development conscious becaous the truth is that the same goverment that he once served as Roads minister is same one that frustrated his efforts.Do you think Raila can build roads or project without goverment fundings?Lets give him a chance to show us what he can do to Kenyans.
HEKO RAILA you command a superb goodwill.PROCEED.
July 25, 2006 at 7:02 pm
I am very happy for Raila and I know that he is a man. Why am i saying this? If he could have not been a man enough he could have not allowed the authour to write such a thing about coup.
He had read the book and knew that there was nothing wrong with it at all. Even his lawyer had read the book. No body can even arrest Raila for the coup attempt that took place 24 years ago. Where were they?
Agwambo is a man of the peolpe and I shall support him come what may even if everybody including his wife Ida turns against him I’ll still be with him.
GO ! GO! GO! Raila.
July 26, 2006 at 11:28 am
I do agree wiht a lot of people who think – and rightly so – that Amolo will not be the president of this country sooner or ever! However, the reasons given by the same people I concur with are, to agrater extent ridiculous!
Let me start by saying that Raila is currently the most visibly efficient leader this country will ever dream to have. He has effectively stepped out of his father’s shadow and created his own self! While many would want us to believe that Raila is a tribal chieftain, I have observed this man and come to the correct conclusion that Raila could as well be the common president that Africa has forgotten toseek. The meref act that Raila Odinga is a luo is the only stambling block in his way to the prsidency of this great nation. While other leaders pretend that theirs is a cosmopolitan bid, it is explicit that even if the tail wagging Tuju and his Bootlicking followers expressed their interests in the presidency, their only sin would be ‘LUO’ and nothing else. They will face the same hurdle Raila faces now.
July 26, 2006 at 12:38 pm
History will judge Kenyans harshly for letting the man not lead them
July 27, 2006 at 7:21 am
This is not the place to write this but I will hoping somehow it will reach Mr. Raila. My apologies to the rest, please skip on to the next comment.
Dear Raila,
This is short letter to you, sir.
Our country is at the brink of losing the democracy we fought so hard to gain. Kenyans are afraid of to even think of what will happen at next years elections.
I cite the happenings at the recent by-elections, and now the strong government intentions to bring the ECK, Human rights commission and the Anti-Corruption body under its total control.
We once again look up to your strong leadership and deep conviction to always talk and act for the majorities sake.
Kenyans are ready to stand up and be counted to resist this at all costs.
Dear Sir, help us!
Unite us across all the divides and tribes of Kenya and together we will win this war that is being lit to finally kill what Kenyans have dreamt of for so long.
Kibaki was indeed a mistake, but this mistake is going too far and I’m afraid we will not have a country to defend at the next elections.
I and many Kenyans will continue to pray for you to have God’s speed, protection and good health.
Thanks in advance.
Crying Kenyans!
July 27, 2006 at 1:30 pm
I believe that Raila has a place in the history of this nation.A history which many will wish to hand over from one generation to another.It’s unfair to call for arrest of a man who has fought for a worthy course yet we forget grave sins committed by people who are now scott free.They ,include assassinations of Tom mboya,JM kariuki,Pio gamg pinto,Robert ouko,Dr.odhiambo mbai,big scandals such as goldenberg and anglo leasing which have plunged this nation into miasma of poverty and underdevelopment.More so land grabbing and tribal clashes.I believe Raila’s critics are in a desperate move to tame him politically but in vain.They are just riding on malice,tribalism and hearsay.Finally kudos to Raila for the democratic space being enjoyed today.We need to give him a chance as kenyans to serve us in the highest office before we can judge him otherwise history will judge us harshly.Thank you.
July 27, 2006 at 9:32 pm
there is only one politcian who could check raila, and that was wamalwa. with wamalwa gone raila there is no counterbalance. by this i dont mean they wre enemies, rather they represented 2 different styles of politics. raila’s style of politics is the predominant style of politics in kenya of which rails is the best at that style (base,raw and tribal politics – railas politics is tribal by omission not commission, ntimama is a tribalist by commission . point in hand the referendum was purely an anti kikuyu vote wether you agree or not that was it was and its tribally driven by ommssion)
im not partciluarly a raila fan, coz he’s tendencies and characteritsics trend towards the chavez’s, the ahmedninajads, the mugabes, of this world people what they cannont get freely and fairly the will use force. railas record thus far iin terms of seeking power has been 1 coup attempt, 2. violence over ford- kenya leadership 3. cooperation with kanu. 4 . MOU
OK, let go the MOU which is the heart of the crisis in the post moi cabinet. that MOU is criminal ist based on posts that didnt exist in the constitution, any implementing that MOU would have been teh equivalent of a COUP as in it woudl have overthrown the constitutional order – but thats different debate
lats but not least, railas politics represent an old era of kenyas politics. the politics in which the mois,the railsa, the ntimamas thrived is gone. we need tp build the future politics not extend the past.
but who is raila anyway ?
July 28, 2006 at 7:46 am
This is to address the so called ANON regarding his/her views on Kenya politics and especially Raila. Indeed, if a man one cant just put down a foolosh argument and sign his/her name. I have no idea about your age, but I would suggest you read more of Kenya’s politics and give it an intelectual thought if you ever went to school. Surely, one doesnt have to be Luo to see the leadership prowess of Raila Odinga and I hope other non Luos join me in this revelation. Go Go Raila!
July 28, 2006 at 7:51 am
Still on ANON! I meant that ONE JUST CANT PUT IN A FOOLISH argument on a subject and still sign his name. That is you use the Anon reference! Please read more of Kenya’s political history and join the rest in searching for real change.
July 28, 2006 at 8:26 am
Raila may be the subject of the book but the writer of the book is the one responsible for the content, that is the point everyone seems to ignore.
The book is not an autobiography but a biography where an author uses all the available information to construct the life of an individual and asks the person who is the subject for confirmation.
Making Raila the star of the whole show is insulting to the author of the book who presented all sides to the story as all that is good or bad, beautiful or ugly about Raila.
Raila is not an angel, he has had his share of flaws, he is not lucifer either, that title pretty much fits the likes of Kenyatta, Moi, Kibaki and Njonjo. Raila has lived an illustrous life and the final chapter of this mans life is not written yet. The future is bright for him though, even though the cynism of the Kikuyus and the Kikuyu elites are haunting him with vengeance.
Will Kenya be better of with A Raila presidenccy? Obvious yes, Raila is not as spineless as Kibaki, he will either lift up the status of Kenyans or make them proud to be Kenyans. He is a brave man who has no qualms saying it like it is. Without even a portfolio in government, Raila is the most powerful politician in Kenya today. When required to do so, Raila will stand up to be counted, I wonder if the likes of Mungatana, Kalonzo, Kibaki, Kagwe and others will.
It is easy to target a visible man, the invicible crooks with Atur kind of mentality are hard to target.
That is my two cents.
July 28, 2006 at 9:43 am
Abjad, to your comment above, AMEN!
And this is an AMEN coming from my entire Kikuyu family.
The kids wont give a cent to know what tribe one is, just if you are a caring person.
The wife simply wants a safe and prosperous Kenya where the law of the land prevails, so her kids and grandkids have a solid future. At the moment plans are to send them abroad, at least the Aturs there get jailed.
AMEN to Kenya, AWAY with my fellow shameful tribesman, IN RAILA.
July 28, 2006 at 10:00 am
Lets put a side empty talks but wait for the right time to come,the time to vote .Raila is not apresidential candidate yet so i wonder why politicise thewhole issue.I believe action speaks better so for those who are for and against Raila time is coming for you to do the right thing.My Dear Raila go for it and be inimidated by cheap&empty politics of your opponents let the voters have the final word on you.Lets meet in the polls of 2007 bye
July 28, 2006 at 12:37 pm
Raila Odinga is a man understanding his political calculations is beyond an ordinary man to understand,i tend to think as his nickname suggest(agwambo)there might be some magical powers behind his moves.When men and women goes out to hunt,only the best hunter comes home with the meat,now 2007 is the time to prove yourself as the best hunter,
As you believe and as per oppinion poll results indicated,build the best political vehicle that will head you to the top seat;as anational leader do what you did during the referrendum campaighns with the best consituted structures(not like Narc).The time is now disapprove your enemies
July 30, 2006 at 5:18 pm
The only person who today represents change in Kenya. After all the once self-proclaimed reformers like Kiraitu became traitors and enemies to change, Raila is the only change champion left. Ask yourself what the Kibaki government would be today had Raila not kept it at its feet.
July 30, 2006 at 7:53 pm
We might not love Raila Odinga. But he is the best politician we have in Kenyan today. If we as Kenyans want development, Raila is the man to look up to. Forget about tribal insinuations which makes Raila look bad. If it were not for Raila, Moi would still be in power and the freedom we are all enjoying today would not be heard of. Lets protect this man jealously, for he is a great asset to all Kenyans regardless of tribe.
July 31, 2006 at 5:15 am
I woulld love to see the day where Mrs Ida Odinga will be First lady. As for Mr Odinga, he really needs a Public Relation personal to assist in marketing himself. Some would say he is enough however I would love to see more of his policies then a performance report on the current goverment. Less attacking and more policies, vision, come up with a shadow goverment SELL SELL SELL.
And for you kenyans who cannot see beyond tribe, PLEASE keep your thoughts to thy self!!!!
July 31, 2006 at 10:02 am
Congrats to the author for helping de-mystify this great individual. I admit I did not like Raila before (reading the book), but now see that my dislike was based on mis information, lack of info. His political decisions and actions are much clearer. Anyone who reads this book with an open mind can only admire Raila. It’s a shame Raila as a politician has never bothered to vigorously clear many of the many misconceptions that exist about hi. Many comments on this page are very mis-informed and some plain malicious. The main criticisms being tribalist, communist, coup-plotter and failure to ‘develop’ Kibera. This last criticisms shows how we Kenyans misunderstand parliamentary democracy and the role of MPs. The other three are easily dispelled by reading the book, which I encourage you all to read. Even if you hate the man am sure you can find some ammunition with which to attack him!! I think we all insult to Badejo (the author) by linking the book with Raila’s presidential bid in 07, it may boost his public profile, but it is not a PR gimmick. However, I will vote for Raila if he is in the ballot papers, presidential elections 2007. Lastly, I can’t tolerate intolerant people (i.e. you are also intolerant!!), is what many Kenyans are saying when they criticize luos for being fanatical supporters, because, they are also fanatical haters of Raila! Let’s open our minds. I am not luo.
August 1, 2006 at 6:45 am
well, let us not be diehard tribalists. we all know how the former regimes had ruined kenya’s economy. hon. Raila is has shown us his political capabilities, we know his potentialiality and let us not a buse his struggles in housting moi out, my tribesmen (kikuyus) should understand that he is a major force to rekon with, we must be carefull, let us know that he is carefully playing his cards, it is not a lie let us not take it light ” if electios were done today he will be the next president”. just like in the last elections, his decission will determine who will be the next president. we like it or not raila is a hero, a presidential material. befor reading his biography i could not imergine votting to a luo. wait and see
August 6, 2006 at 10:33 am
Raila Odinga is the best leader the whole country ought to be proud of. He is our voice
we the voice less.It’s unfortunately,kenyan have failed to realise that the whole country
needs Railas leadership whose objective is to boost the real economy where by boda
boda men stands package when they shall be 55. I willbe trully disapointed if he cannot be
our president after 2007 presidential election for he have fought hard to be awarded
leadership.Odinga have sounding reasons to have left narc gk;He couldn’t be agroup
of gk giving packages to people like NJENGA KARUME 3 BILLION KSHS FOR HIS
UNDERGROUND ACTIVITIES and now that Odinga has declear his presidential
candidature,it makes the monkeys to bring banana home which were never their usual habits.
Inever like kenyan system of election but this time all votes are for Raila.Moi isback
but Agwambo is hard comme a rock.Im requesting my fellow kenyans to vote RAILA.
August 7, 2006 at 5:27 pm
The time has come when we Kenyans should stand up and put our tribal politics a side and forcast on the truth. Hanging Awambo will do nothing, in fact if its harm its already done. Agwambo 2007 is just a few months away and its know that you should stand up and constitute your policies for the forthcoming government. Get youth fully involved in the selling of your ideas, for the coming months, take your time off from the greedy parliament of the mighty and lets gets you started.
LETS START THE MARCH TO STATEHOUSE NOW, ITS NOW OR NEVER!
August 8, 2006 at 10:46 am
Hello fellow Kenyans,it is high time we reason beyond our enthnic feelings. Let’s reasen fight reason.It is time we stand for the truth and laeve it to live amidst us.As any other person (leader for that matter) Hon Raila has his phobias and maniacs.But for the interluctually grown up citizen,there is no doubt that what Tinga has done for this greate nation shuld be acknowledged.We still yearn for change, this will only be realised when we shall all rise up and say enough is enough to tribal politics. We need the likes of Kalonzo, Ruto, Mudavadi,Balala and of course Agwambo to have structured dialogue and a workable formula to give us the real change that we’ve longed for . LET ‘S NOT GIVE CHANCE TO THE SO-CALLED MT.KENYA MAFIAS AGAIN.BRAVO TINGA TINGA.GOD IS WITH US
August 8, 2006 at 11:17 am
Hi, it is qiute absard to read from this blog, somebody saying that it is the Jalous commenting on this,are you also a LUO?(ANN) Please don’t exposed your arrogance where it is irrelevant. I gause you are Karua and the likes type!!!!.
Please let’s support Agwambo this time round knowing very well that the road is thorny and rough.LET’S PUT GOD FISRT, AND ALL SHALL BE WELL.
Let cleansing exercise be executed by the President go on but they shuold be aware that we are keenly watching. LET’S ALL BE READY WITH OUR WEAPONS(kura zetu).
MY PRAYER! LET ODM REMAIN INTACT!!!!.AGWAMBO BE THE BINDING FORCE AS YOU DID IN 2002! HOWEVER I SINCERELY URGE YOU TO ACCEPT THE VERDICT OF THE PEOPLE SHUOLD YOU LOSE TO ANYBODY IN THE NOMINATION.ALL THE REST IN THE RACE MUST ALSO BE READY TO DO THE SAME.BUT GOING BY WHAT YOU STOOD AND STILL ATAND FOR, I BELIEVE YOU’LL DO. GOD BLESS U, GOD BLESS KENYA. AMEN.
August 8, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Tinga for meis atrue mirror to see kenya since he is playing a role of oposition leader.
Since he left narc- government in the year 2003;The kibaki administration ls but a
true corruption industry with a record of 101 commissions of inquiry to collect money
for the forth coming election in public resource.Like Dr kituyi have pocket full of both euros and swiss francs while Hon Karua plays the true salope in the sweetbanana garden.
Selon Raila,Im akenyan who believe in NO corruption but majorities of kenyan now think
that if it’s the corruption which all can profit all can support .This is Hon Biwotts tactic
which has attracted Hon mugatana, Hon tuju, Hon kibaki in the moi-kibaki regime know
as narc-kenya their target is you RAILA .Kenya believe that you are out to full fill the
first promisesof the father of the nation and for this case I AND MY FAMILY SHALL
STAND WITH YOU/
August 8, 2006 at 3:10 pm
My name is Sharon Atieno astudent in portreizt high school mombasa.I was born in bondo
hospital in 1987 13 of march,As achild ,I both grew and study in mombasa chiidren used
to abused us as simply luos.I was wondering really what was wrong with the fact that
we are luos.Yes my father could express himsel best in many international languages but
poorly in swahili. My first rally is what I really wanted to share with you;Ihave listened
to preachers and my grandi prof OGUTU is agood speaker but RAILA IS THE MOST
BEST SPEAKER A LIFE// After listening for your first speach I WAS releaved from the
childish critics and Ihave no word to tell my fellow kenyans that since Ibecame aluo
im the best person in and out.When kenyans can discover what im she will in be aheaven.
Jaramogi said that politic is sience of lifeand it’s in this philo that you believe and his
traitors say that pilitics is abad game for they stands but questionable act in every steps they make?
PLZ/ tell JOHO TO BRING US ID VOTING CARDS IN KISAUNI RAILA TOSHA/
August 9, 2006 at 2:48 am
I finally finished reading the 380 page book and am in a better position to comment. I want to start by thanking Dr. Badejo for a very well written biography of Raila Odinga. In fact the book is a lot more than a biography, as some readers already said. it is a well written overview of the recent political history of Kenya. It captures the tumultuous changes and the underlying intrigues that have occurred in Kenya since independence. I am only disappointed that it does not discuss the stranglehold which continues to be exerted on our beloved country by the neocolonialists and their protégés.
I now believe it more than ever that Raila is a true nationalist and a budding Pan-Africanist. Raila story is still in the making, I believe that when the whole story is retold in the next few decades, we will marvel at how much one individual can alter the history of a country. I agree with Paul Muite’s comments that Raila is like Hitler, except he leads towards agrandizement of a people, while Hitler leads towards annihilation of a people. None the less, they are both powerful history changing leaders that are very sparsely distributed in both space and time in this world.
I now reaffirm that Raila has earned the stripes and is more than prepared to take the reigns of government. When Kibaki traveled to Nyeri soon after the NARC elections, the local wananchi at a trading centre asked him to let Raila address them. They said “Huyo ndio mjamba” When one is recognized by unsophisticated ordinary citizens without any coercion, across the tribal divides, it is time to accept that the individual has become a nationalist. When ardent political competitors laud one as a “true statesman” as did Wamalwa during one of their charged meetings, then it can only be true.
History has accorded Kenya another chance to uplift its populace out of hunger, disease and abject poverty. We have squandered many such chances before. When the Narc government was elected, those of us in the Kenyan Diaspora, walked tall, as we had shown the world that, democracy could be practiced in an impoverished African country. We must commend the ECK chairman Samuel Kivuitu and his team for running an exemplary election. Let us make sure that nobody steals the election next year.
This is my assessment of who Raila is: He is a product of pedigree and early training from Jaramogi. His youthful mind was exposed to various cultures as he traveled to different countries and studied in Germany. The engineer in him helps in analysis of complex situations, breaking them down to manageable blocks and applying well known and tested principles to reach a solution. When people say how well a political organizer he is, I say that he is simply applying his training well, something that very few of us do. His later tribulations in Moi’s hands, in and out of jail and detention, have provided that requisite tempering process that stops one dead on one’s tracks and lets one review one’s entire purpose and methods to achieve that purpose. As mentioned by Ida Odinga, he came out more patient and attentive. His association with leaders with no personal integrity like Moi and now Kibaki, and the way both leaders swindled him of leadership opportunities, prepare him for better strategic planning and foolproof execution. Raila has worked with all the seasoned and budding politicians in Kenya at one time or another. He understands their perspectives in politics. Raila must now form a coalition of the willing and come out with a wining dream team. He must out smart those who want to mismanage Kenya to the detriment of its population and for the good of a few.
Lastly I want to comment that the rigging of next elections has already started by the following actions from the government:
* denying the youth National Identity Cards and Voter Cards.
* Manipulating the ECK commissioners
* Misuse of provincial administration
* Appropriating ill-defined monies like the 1 billion youth fund (remember KANU Youth.
The progressive forces should not wait on these issues. The government must be vigorously held accountable. We must use all avenues available to stop the rigging of the polls.
August 10, 2006 at 11:23 am
I feel abit disturbed by the day today political happenings in the country,for these happenings,my countryman its time for you and your companions in the ODM to start acting as fast as possible and do the following,
1.Finish up grassroot election isues harmoniusly as fast as possible
2.Hold your NDCwith alot of care,making sure the descion made will satisfy all the deligates to avoid break ups which the Goverment is waitting for.Decide the best for the intrest of all kenyans and across the political divide of ODM.
3.Make sure you make coallition with parties/personswhom you trust and trust you as well.(Not people like Uhuru who are being used by Kibaki and moi for their survival)
4.push for voter registration allover the country in good time to avoid the last minute rush and make sure that areas of your stronghold,people are fully registered as voters.
5.Be fully ready for the outcome of NDC and surport the results with full energy.
In general let not your opponent suprise you with the so called “snap elections”which they are planing for.i understands that ODM was registered by different persons not affiliated to ODM so find for adifferent name®ister another party in time.Good luck and may God bless your efforts
August 17, 2006 at 8:31 am
Aluta continua,
The common KENYAN is yet to be liberated from the oppression by the elite! Tinga, you continue to be the torch bearer for the majority of the oppressed and afflicted in this nation. That is why the elites will always suffer from “Railaphorbia”. Keep it up Mheshimiwa, you are a true SON OF KENYA.
May God bless and keep you always….
August 17, 2006 at 2:14 pm
After reading your wonderfull book,I concluded that you have the best love to your country
than most AFRICAN leaders. Im an A lgerian but my advice to you selon Raila is that
you create acomanding power for you stand kenyan mandate and the GK has lost the glory of the people.I think kibaki is speaking alot but at night to his people and its for
this reason that uhuru has joined him. But you are the only leader speaking to his countrymen on the broad day light for you got thetruth. They can use uhuru to turn your
table at the eleventh hours for example?Make tough lines so that you can see for yourself
the true Railaphorbia;
August 20, 2006 at 8:13 am
Message to all Kenyans.
It has come a time where every citizen of this greate nation should decide on what they want without fear of intimidation or oppression.Let us not judge somebody by what others say about him but by his deeds; not by his tribesmen’s behavior, traits or anything of the sort that cuold make him unwanted for the leadership of this country.It is imperative the we forcus on the future for the good of the generations to come.As philosophers put it ,if you bring the past and the present into conflict,you are bound to destroy the foture.Let’s build the future by supporting leaders whom we’ve seen to have the interest of the people of Kenya at their hearts.
Now voters registration is in progress, please let us ALL register and vote wisely when time comes.
Please let’s support ODM leaders in their struggle to liberate this country from dictatorial, oppressive,and tyrannic leadership that has been exrcised for the last 4 decades.
PLEASE WE ALL SUPPORT MINIMUM OR OVERHAUL REFORMS.
ODM Leaders beware of the Narc-K as you stategies for a win in 2007. We are behind you.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
August 20, 2006 at 2:30 pm
AGWAMBO OWADGI AKINYI WENWA RANGA ODINGA IS THE MAN.
The kenya Raila want can kill both kibaki na uhuru yake They both now that its good but
the want to the LORD. They are not ready to share anything with their fellow kenyans?
Kenyan politic have trully changed and we’ kenyan a broad have started to find out if
this narc-kenya are funded by Al Qaeda.We know how they love money and how they can
pretend that the economy is trong by buying wapumbavu from the coast and eastern;We
shall only support your movement be it what: God bless you
August 21, 2006 at 11:03 am
while i admire you , but your politics is becoming too much. just sslow down and concentrate on development issues affecting the entire country and your constituency
in particular. this people are really targeting you and planning bad things against you
be careful.
August 23, 2006 at 10:00 am
Leadership is judged by what one has achieved or is achieving since Raila has been an mp for kibera the largest slums in Africa the slums has continue to be worse off in terms of development and since he has been the tribal chief of Luo nyanza poverty has multiplied as can be seen ollover nyanza
i wonder how kenya will be if he become president or prime minister it will be like obunga or nyawita in kisumu or kariobangi and kibera in nairobi Mr Enigma empower your people first and then seek the crown thats why you will always be a king maker
And for LDP its another NDP but this time there is no KANU to marry it
August 23, 2006 at 11:07 am
Hello Hon. P Onyango,
Please in this forum we need interlectual ideas not comment for the sake of it. Why expose your ilmindedness where it’s of no value. The fact that Raila is the MP for Langata does not mean that people in Kibera should migrate from the slum to Kileleshwa or Runda to qualify the MP for Presidency. Do you remember the kind of house Kibaki’s brother-in-law was living before his death in 2004? Did that disqualified Mzee from becoming the 3rd Prisident?Please don’t meddle in petty politics, The fact that Nyanza is poor should not be linked to Raila’s leadership,though he should be addressing the issue of poverty in the region,but the this should not disqualify him from contesting for the top office.
We never vetted Kibaki before electing him based on what he had done to Central Province or Nyeri district or Othaya.
Please let’s be guided by our conciouous.
PAUL BE BLESSED. BUT IMPROVE YOUR REASONING.
August 23, 2006 at 11:48 am
The problem with us Kenyans is that we appreciate our heroes only when they are dead. That Raila has done great for this country is no doubt. Why is it that those who praised him and composed songs on Raila in 2002 are now villifying him? Why should he be demonised when we all know his contribution in shaping up the history of this country.
About being hungry for power, everyone in some way or another is hungry for power, and I stand to be corrected in this. Raila is a politician. He also has his ambitions, just like any other human being. So the question of being hungry for power does not arise. Who in this world would turn down an offer or request to be a president?
Raila is a Nationalis, a Democrat and a Leader. Everyone envies the way he has been able to influence national politics and at the same time keep his political base intact. And as Michael Wamalwa once said, the problem with Kenya is the “Raila Mania” and “Raila Phobia”.
August 24, 2006 at 6:19 pm
Dear All,
Raila is a nationalist and a true advocate for the common man.He is also brave,uncorruptible and success oriented.I believe he has the best interest of Kenya at heart.
But with all the above,I honestly don’t think he is the right guy to be president. I am not comfortable with his raw courage. He is too radical. I think we need I President who can be intimidated easily.Just ask yourself,who will ever say no again when Agwambo is the Prezo! And what will happen when he is wrong?
If I were to make the decision alone,I will appoint him an executive PM.
If he is however elected Prezzo in ‘07, I will not go to exile or hang myself.
Emman
August 28, 2006 at 11:07 am
Hi,
It is coming in the open air that we Kenyan only become comfortable with good leaders after thier demise. Now we have a leader whom we all agree is a nationalist, democrat, pan-africanist, courageous, free of corruption name them, but when ask if you can vote him in for the leadership of this nation, you say no!. What do we want?When he support your Man ,you compose a song in his honour, recite heroic poems while cheering up,nickname him in names reserved for True heroes, are we really sincere?
We should not be woodwinked to support somebody, instead we should be left to decide our destiny.
In ODM-K, we support Raila Odinga.
Reasens are well spelt out, you dont need University degree to know this MAN.
HON. RAILA, PLS DON’T DISAPPOINT KENYANS!
September 2, 2006 at 2:52 pm
While i admire your bravery,i beg to differ with your ideas.For instance if i may recall the orange/banana period,it was obvious that most people who voted against the constitution never read it! I believe it is a high time that we as kenyans refuse to follow the powerfull few and be able to make our own decisions.I believed and still believed that Mr Raila and his supporters voted against the constitution for personel benefits only.If you a true leader as depicted by the book,then the MPs salaries would be taxed by now.
September 4, 2006 at 12:20 pm
RAILA IS AN ENIGMA. BRAVO MY BROTHER
September 5, 2006 at 2:39 pm
Its my humble plee for thos who preach tribal hate to at least tone down .To some of us who have voted at least one uot of my tribe since attained the right just feel sick.However,this wont let the spirite our brother Obama left us with burn down .To thos that belive my MP,Raila ,should try him this time out.And the likes of BETH,TUJU
who abuses him should give us abreak coz they just qeastion our inteligent thos who vote him.
September 20, 2006 at 7:36 pm
Dear All:
Wooow Voters lets unite together across all the divides and tribes and makes the Agwambos’ presidential ambition true.
We are the people and we behind him
Agwambo Tosha!!!!!!
Agwambo malo!!!!
May Lord God bless all Kenyans and vote wisely for ODM-Kenya come 07 GE
September 25, 2006 at 9:01 am
Ihave read the comments of the majority in this log, and would therefore like to say that it is a high time that Kenyans rise out of the bondage of tribalism and elect the best president that has presented himself to them.Brave, down to earth, democrat ,development conscious minded ,fighter and crusader of the weak poor Kenyans that have walloped in the bondage of poverty for 40 decades.If Kenyans through such a beautiful chance,then history will judge them harshly.To Raila´s critics , i would like to tell them one thing.Where were the so called Kibaki, Nyachae,Michuki,nJENGA WHEN kENYANS WERE BEING mistreated by the Moi regime.Instead Nyachae took the opportunity to a maass wealth of Kenyans that he enjoys up to today.Where was Martha, Murungi,Mugo name them allthese tribal outfits when he Raila was criss-crossing the country in search of votes for Kibaki, and mind you he Kibaki and the late Wamalwa were in London hospitals.Let us be wise in ou r comments and expressthe real issues about politics and those affecting Kenyans.For my brother Ken Mwamu, you should know that the work to better the peoples lives rest with the government and not an M:P; the mp was elected to give reports and represent the perturbing issues in their constituencies.After all how many slums do we have in Kenya or in N airobi apart from Kibera or does it become an issue because it is represented by Hon. Raila..In any case i have visited kibera on several occasions and know what the development projects Raila has initiated.Ihumble challenge you to go and visit kibera before you give such comments.The writer is a K ENYAN studying in Germany. GO RAILA GO WE KENYANS IN GERMANY ARE FULLY BEHIND YOU:SUCCESS
October 1, 2006 at 4:32 pm
ODM-WIN CHAIRMAN FRANCE.
ODM-k MEMBERS ITS ATIME TO SMILE FOR WE HAVE THE BEST COMMANDANT IN
CHIEF AND THE ARMED FORCES HIS EXCELLENCY RAILA AMOLO ODINGA.
October 11, 2006 at 2:19 pm
We praiseAlmighty God for giving light in justice to see things above Napolion so that
Mr Moi can pay 40billions of bribe he took.We ask God to keep on giving light so that all
bad men can be identify!
His Excellency,we are looking forward to see that your ODM-K Gorvernment spends these
money God has offered us to up lift the life of the common men of the public!Iwas born
during the true time Ajuma Odinga we did stand atrue transport for the public!
Iwill always stand by you for Ibelieve that from youmy own children can have areal sense
of life.For ODM-K Government is but government with alot of project real on the social-
workers, real job creation nationally and abroad,real free education in both primary and
secondary school all instute of formations modern plus one meal per day for allkenyans.
Health,kenyans has no right to be sick as in the case of human right and therefore sickness will be treated equal ,free medical care for all.All family should be offered
a house not ahut in the place of their own choice!Clean drinking waters!
scandals as corruption, tribalism Mr president shouldn’t be your agenda for they
belongs to the passè -composè.His Excellecy ,with all the respect you deserve forgive
me to say that OOOOH YES TEAM WILL NEVER MIXIT THE OLD WINE AND THE
NEW WINE:kenyans are not thieves but are forced by the system to be corrupt!
How can one steal to pay for medicine when they gets free??Working class have notime
to waste in odd causes?His excellecy, offering title deed to stone age peasants are
waste time most of mombasa resident has lost their deeds in the flood!
The police must be like raia if they want to cract down the true criminals!
Mr president get know that 10th of prsoners areyour suppoters and the majority of them
are innocent;boda boda arein the
prison for over speeding as if there are bicycles
speed limits in kenya!while moi is walking with40bln of bribery!Ipraise your public
address andI wish ODM-K well opado from france
November 17, 2006 at 10:10 pm
i must say tat we kyuks have arways been so hard oin this man for his charisma ad courage. I have arways hated him for what was imranted in me by my famiry that a ruo is an enemy. owever after reading his book i wish to say that I rove the man and wirr vote for him come 2007. Ciru wa Nyadarua. Raira, we ne mwega fio.
November 22, 2006 at 3:33 pm
its an awesome page but pliz update it more frequently.
thanks.
December 14, 2006 at 7:37 pm
http://mosaisi-fries-em.blogspot.com/2006/12/i-found-makokhas-commentary-on-nation.html
I found the above website with a true representation of what Raila is.
January 2, 2007 at 12:52 am
007 IS AT HAND, THIS IS AYEAR TO AWARD RAILA ODINGA PRESIDENCY.
I THEREFORE DECLEARE THE YEAR AS THE YEAR OF ODINGAS VICTORY!!!
January 2, 2007 at 1:19 am
I wish RAILA &family health &love!I request Mme Odinga not to answer Beth of mungiki;
she’s lonely because people like michuki nyachae kibaki prefers soup as amatter of choice than love.Parents should offer their children studies for its our right than to be forced to marry beth for her wealth.Nyanza mungiki TOKA kwa jina safi ya mwokoshi YESU
MWANAWA JEHOVAH AMENE!ASI TULETEEEEEEEEEEEE!
January 23, 2007 at 9:57 am
You are whatever we kenyan can admire. victory is definitely yours. your ideologies will make you to be voted as our prezo.
January 23, 2007 at 10:04 am
I wish you mr raila what you wish yourself. I gues it is victory for president.
January 29, 2007 at 5:11 pm
RAILA TOSHA SAID COAST LEADERS!
SELON JOHO IS THE MAN!
PLZ GIVE US VOTING CARDS NA MAKOMBO ANDOKEEE!!
KIBAKI WAS AFEELING. NOW RAILA IS OUR CHOICE KENYA!!
KIBAKI ONE MORE TIME? NO THANKS-aENDEEE!ODM-K HAVE WARM GREETINGS
FROM KISAUNI BRANCH &I WISH THE ENTIRE STAFF OF OO7 WELL.YOU KNOW
WHAT? I LOVE YOU GUYS. JUST DO IT!RAILA FOREVER ODINGA NEVER LYE!
RAILA WALK TALK IS REAL. TALKS ARE PROGRESS AND AS THE VOICE OF THE
VOICELESS HE TALKHEALTH FOR FUTURE.HOW CAN ATHIEF RESPOND?WE GOT HIM REDHANDED.KIBAKI AENDE NA UPAMBAVU YAKE NYERI AU SIYO??
February 16, 2007 at 7:36 am
FELLOW KENYANS, TIZ HIGH TIME WE REALIZED THAT OUR COUNTRY NEEDS POLITICIANS WHO ARE SINCERE, PEACE LOVING, AND THOSE WHO CAN REMOVE US FROM THE BOG OF TRIBALISM THAT HAS BEDEVILED OUR COUNTRY SINCE INDEPENCE. FOR HOW LONG WILL CORRUPTION THRIVE IN OUR DEAR COUNTRY? HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO BE LED BY CORRUPT MINISTERS? LOOK AT THE ABSURDITY OF KENYAN POLITICS! WE THOUGHT PEOPLE LIKE KIRAITU AND MWIRARIA WOULD NEVER AGAIN FIND THE BRAVADO TO ADRESS ANY RALLY AFTER THE MUCH BROADCASTED TAPE RECORDINGS BY GITHONGO! WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED TO THEM? WHO BAPTIZED THEM AND IN WHICH RIVER OR LAKE DID THEY WASH THEIR UGLY CORRUPT SOULS? I HATE BEING A KENYAN. WHY CANT ELECTIONS BE CALLED NOW SO THAT WE ELCT ANOTHER BREED OF FOCUSED POLITICIANSa
April 17, 2007 at 1:54 pm
As much as we criticise Raila for his weaknesses, we need to appreciate the role that he has played in this great nation.
Democracy- Together with fellows like Paul Muite, Mukhisa Kityi, Kenneth Matiba, Kivutha Kibwana. they made it possible for this country to go Multy Party.
KANU out of power- Remember the role he played in removing the corrupt party from power?
Unfriendly Draft Constitution- Who marshalled the country to throw out the stale Draft?
Arturs Saga- Who exposed them?
Guys give Raila a break.
April 30, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Great Work Nyundo”"”"”Keep it up we are behind you keep them on toes ti,mes on your way brother
May 17, 2007 at 10:00 am
I do agree that Raila is a very agressive politician but i sometimes doubt his sincerity.In the year 2002 it is this Raila who said “KIBAKI TOSHA”. these are words that came from his very mouth. This means that during that time, he felt that he was not as qualified as Kibaki. So my question to Hon Raila is[What has made you to feel more qualified than Kibaki in this Yr 2007? What attributes did kibaki posess in 2002 over and above you that made you feel he's "more tosha" than you?] Back in the ODM-you said that you are ready to support any presdential aspirant who will win the nominations. Supposing in this case it is Hon Uhuru Kenyatta. Are you sure that you will support him and yet you declined to support him in the year 2002 and ran from his camp when he needed you most? Unless you convince us more, i still doubt your sincerity Sir. But anyway, i do admit that you have done something good for this country.
May 28, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I saw the book cover for Raila, an enigma in Kenyan politics, I think you could have done much much better than that. It’s not appealing at all to look at!
July 22, 2007 at 6:44 am
this the man that was out to bring changes that were desired and expected by NARCK followers.He started this by pulling down houses and other properties that were on the road reserves but the goverment was against his efforts inoder to protect individuals from a large ethenic group that are the majority owners of these properties.I strongly recommend Raira for the higher office if its Gods will ,so that he can restore all that has been grabed and at the same time stop all kinds of corruption that has spoiled our economy making some of us stay a way from home just to work for foreigners.I know its God that choose leaders and Gods purpose can never be hindered.We are praying for our country and more especially our leaders who have messed the lives of Kenyans who have been to the western world $instead of effecting what they see they have used there minds to instill the spirit of corruption and which is of cause curse which for sure we need deliverance.
October 7, 2007 at 12:05 pm
This is the man Kenya needs. On 6th October 2007 he unveiled his vision of how he was going to reconstruct the country and not just recver the economy.He is the man who has saved Kenyan from many ills which include the Artur Saga, Goldenberg and Anglo leasing.His opponents are wrong in saying that he never constructed any road as minister of roads.Raila left a leagacy in that minstry.He streamline the procurement process in that minstry and soon cowboy contractors went under.All the projects currently attributed to Nyachae were initiated by Raila.
This the man Kenya needs
October 9, 2007 at 10:39 am
Raira is the man,
October 18, 2007 at 1:24 am
A true nationalistic spirit.
Heilbronn, Germany
October 29, 2007 at 9:10 am
come next year kenyans all over will have a break from the corrupt, unlearned, incompetent, evilminded, untrustworthy, mediocre, dictatorial, gerontocratic leaders.
Agwambos team THE PENTAGON is the true face of the leadership we kenyans would like.If we truly are against corruption that is denying young kenyans jobs then the kind of leaders in the OTHER camp dont fit anywhere within our political thinking.
November 18, 2007 at 9:15 pm
what of the pentagon members implicated in graft?will they lead by example and return anything they acquired using dubious means e.g land/
November 18, 2007 at 9:23 pm
what of the pentagon members implicated in graft?will they lead by example and return anything they acquired using dubious means e.g land? let them do that and give Agwambo easy time transforming our country to what we want.
we trust in him because he is clean and has the guts and the wishes of kenyans at heart.
November 19, 2007 at 8:57 am
his honourable Raila should clearly state what he agreed withe the muslim counsil did he give them special treatment.He should come clear and state what he signed with them.
Thank you
December 7, 2007 at 11:45 am
what a nice president to be
January 9, 2008 at 7:50 pm
KENYANS UNDER CAPTIVITY!
(The Revelation Is Running All Over The World).
The Solution to this Course First needs deeper digging into its source.
The case in this point is an Election which Awarded The President Victory to the Objection of the Majority–a Case Surrounded with so Much Incriminations; and The Most Striking of Which Was a Confession by E.C.K Chairman, Saying he’s “Not Sure if the President Won The Elections Or Not”; further Admitting, on a televised Confession, That he acted under pressure in The Release of Results.”
-The situation here, therefore, is of a Government Taking Over the People who Refused to Vote For it in the Constitution Referendum, and Again Refused to Vote for it in The General Elections, Forcing it to Make Up for Its Return to Power on its Own. It’s a Rejected Government, Returning with Full Force to The People who Rejected and Protested Against it. It’s a Government so full of Hate and Reprisal Against the people it wants to Rule. It’s against Human Rights to Experiment with Human Life; This Government has Always Proved it can not be entrusted with the lives and well being of Its People And it’s Not a Situation to Wait On, Neither is it one to Afford a Chance!
The President’s Fraudulent Return to Power has already Cost The Country Hundreds of lives, and property losses. Yet If it wasn’t for The International Medias’ Attention, The Shoot-to-Kill order already given to the Police would not have halted, to the Ultimate surrender of the People.
What we are finally left with here is People seeking justice and Independence from the hands of their own Government that has always Killed and Robbed Them, and now Forcefully Ruling them: It’s an Abduction and Oppression in this Generation where Freedom is A Right to Every Human.
Sad that Both Sides know the Truth: that one Man robbed the Other of Power, and does Publicly Make fun of him Without the World knowing it.
By The President Inviting Opposition leader to “HIS” State House, it’s Simply to drive him Nuts and ALL Kenyans know it, But not the rest of the World. By the government Spokesman Scratching his Forehead, Almost Overwhelmed with laughter within, as he ironically says, “You Don’t Share Power with Losers”, it’s to touch the Opposition leader where it Hurts most, and Kenyans know it; the World Can’t. By the President Saying the Opposition to Cooperate so they can “Share Power,” he’s only slapping the opposition on the face, and The World Shall Never Know The Truth, Kenyans Will. President Arrogantly Teases The one He’s Already Robbed in Broad Daylight, And Only Kenyans Shall Know The Truth; the World Shan’t.
“A BEACON OF STABILTY REDUCED TO DISGRACE TO HUMANITY?”
-Well, This Government is like the late Idi Amin’s where Terrific things happen but Covered Within the ‘High Walls with Steel Gates’. They come out to the World with Smiling Faces Like angels, Showing Off their People as Disciplined While Some of Them are Really only Scared, Others, Favored and Others Made up of the Rich who Don’t really Care; they talk to the World with those Deceptive Smiles while Deaths and Brutality lies underneath their carpets. Kenyans are Gagged Captives. The Opposition Leader has been Victim of Oppression: Detained for Eight years Without Trial. He’s watched the Poor Marginalized and Oppressed, Public Resources Squandered and Looted By Corrupt Governments’ Big Wigs, as Injustice continues to Thrive while the country drags behind in a Quagmire of Poverty and Economy Breakdown. When He Started to Preach “CHANGE”, also Promising to Recover The looted Public funds and return them to assist improving lives of Kenyans, He’d instantly Become a Threat to the Culprits and An Assurance to The Poor People of Kenya. This Wind of Change was so strong that When the Government Came to Block its Way, it had only Blown Open the Proverbial “Gates of Steel Between the High Walls” and the World had glimpse of the real Kenya. Now I’m sadly seeing the Government Slowly Closing back the Gates of Steel so Cleverly and I know Kenyans Are in Trouble! I’m Running out to Open the Eyes of the World to the Truth While they are Still Close Enough To See it.
This Government did not Just Degenerate to a Disgrace, but has Always Been One. The Recent was the Umpteenth of its Embarrassments that Kenyans have always had to Cope With and are so Sick and tired of. Even It’s Own Ministers Had Appeared on TV Saying they were “Embarrassed of this Government!” In It’s List Of Shame Includes:-The President Bringing to Public a Draft Constitution that would Give him Excessive Powers, asking People to Vote for it so it Can Be Passed as the New Constitution for his country. The country voted against it with a Humiliating Vote of Rejection; -During the Campaign for his biased Constitution the Police Shot and Killed, in Broad Daylight, Four Kids aged Below Ten, During a Protest; -The President Ever using Government Resources for Personal Campaign;-The President inviting the Former Rejected President for pieces of advice (which was Betrayal to the People who had Rejected his Regime); -The First Lady Referring to The Government as, “My Government”, -The first Lady Storming Television News Room and Slapping A Journalist; -The same First Lady again slapping A Government official Recently in a Public Ceremony; -The President’s Family and Government Hosting Two “International Conmen” from a Foreign Country, who are even Secretly Awarded Positions in The Government’s Administration as “Deputy Police Commissioners”; -Government’s Top Official Fleeing to Exile, Where he is to Date, revealing with Evidence of Recorded audio Cassette, a Corrupt Theft of Huge sum of Money where Culprit Minister is asking him to Go Slow on the Case In Exchange for favor; -The President, Publicly Using abusive language, Derogatively attacking his Political Rivals; -The President and his Campaign team Shamelessly Bribing Voters With Goodies and Cash.
Kenyans Are Sick And tired of this Government of Shame, Yet they seem headed to putting up with it for Five More Years–all While they’d queued for hours in Scorching sunlight and on Empty stomachs to Bring in A Government of Change.
Kenyans Proved Their Thirst For Change, Angrily Voting Out the Entire Government With Its President, Vice President and Many Ministers, Yet they are Still Stuck With their President Of Choice With Nowhere to Go While the Rejected Government Sticks to Power, Killing and Embarrassing them as Usual. No Taking Any Chances With People’s Lives. No Waiting for another Five Years for This May Be Kenyans’ Last Chance. This Is Called Internet Protest. Please send it to Friends, Kingdoms and Governments all over the World. “Kenyans Are Captives of Their Own Government, Somebody Help!”
Written for the World by a Kenya in The U.S.A.
August 3, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I wonder why most people have failed to reason. It should be quite obvious that though raila has a fanatic following in luo land, he is still above tribal politics. Who in kenya among the politicians dont have a following in his home tough. Raila has achieved alot and has showed true domocracy. Bravo to Agwambo.
August 28, 2008 at 9:14 pm
This is Barack Obama’s cousin? omg! CHANGE???? This is all of Obama’s campaign!
Hello!
January 6, 2009 at 6:37 pm
raila failed, and failure he is made off!! luos pleaz give us a break!!
January 6, 2009 at 6:39 pm
yes he is barack obamas cousin because he raila said so!!!!! obama knows very well that raila odinga is the mud in his coat!!
March 28, 2009 at 5:07 am
Raila is the most selfish and egoistic person for those who dont know him. his talks behind seen are appaling and downgrading especially for luos he claim to liberate. more revealation if you want
May 21, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Raila is really an enigma in Kenyan politics.He is the proponent of democracy and fairness.He is most visible liberator of human right.I will be first to cast my vote come 2012