Coalitions and Alliances: Necessary Evil?

Raila has fought for the rights of the common Kenyan. Drawn to socialist activism during the Cold War, he proved a canny leader in private enterprise before reinventing himself as a liberal democrat. Presented with the easy option of a safe parliamentary seat in his rural ethnic stronghold, Raila instead pursued the challenge of a seat in Nairobi’s multi-ethnic suburbs. Committed to democracy and the rule of law, he supported a failed coup attempt launched by members of Kenya’s military forces. Considered a shrewd strategist, Raila gave up the opportunity to flee into exile and subsequently spent a decade behind bars, denied the right to a fair trial and subjected to torture and inhuman treatment. A steadfast critic and persecuted victim of the Moi regime, Raila nevertheless entered an alliance with his adversary. When things turned sour, he placed the defeat of his opponent’s agenda above personal ambition, playing a pivotal role in the victory of President Mwai Kibaki in 2002. Systematically sidelined by yet another President (Kibaki), Raila campaigned against Kibaki’s proposals for constitutional reform, securing a resounding “no” vote in the 2005 referendum.

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