By SELINA CHITERI

The art of politics in Kenya offers a diversity of ideologies, concepts and leadership styles that have shaped the country’s political discourse. It would take one a road mile to unravel the dynamics of the country’s political clutter but with a lot of introspection there are leaders who have overwhelmingly stood out in shaping Kenya’s political trajectory. They have remained a constant factor in the political scene, influencing positive change in the society since time immemorial.

 One such leader is the former Premier Raila Amollo Odinga who has been a voice of reason and a voice of truth that has shaped kings in Kenya’s political circles. A voice that has made presidents, one  that has driven a positive change in society. And after years of fighting for democracy, it is time for the kingmaker to be made king, for through the political hurdles and wins, Raila passes as a characteristically refined leader with unmatched experience not only in politics but also in his own leadership mantra. Will Kenyans forge forward in unity to make this beckoning reality suffice in the 2022 General Election?

The attributes of a kingmaker include one who understands the meaning of purpose, is full of wisdom and foresight, is able to listen, has values and acknowledges the importance of others, willfully giving credit where its due. Scholars argue that an individual is surely destined for success if they possess the attributes of a kingmaker, attributes that are able to generate success in the society by fanning the success of others.

This is what Raila Odinga has been throughout his time in politics. A keen believer in democracy pegged on impacting a positive change in society, Raila has played a critical role in the country’s succession plan. Factoring the country’s political situation at every electioneering period, Raila has displayed his patience and is forthright with the leadership that would only serve the interests of Kenyans, especially when it comes to enhancing peace and stability of the country.

Twice has the Odinga family held the country’s political torch and crowned Presidents. Like his late father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga who not only fought for Kenya’s independence but demanded Kenyatta’s release from prison by refusing to be President which would have compromised the country’s independence at the time, Raila Odinga saw the suitability of former President Mwai Kibaki in taking over the country’s leadership from the late former President Daniel Moi back in 2002, which culminated to a landslide victory  all the while ensuring that the country remains stable even after a peaceful transition. For Raila, it was all about unifying the country and effecting change after a 24-year dictatorial rule. Though many thought he would be the one to take up the presidency, his sacrifice and intrinsic understanding of Kenya’s politics made him to declare ‘Kibaki Tosha’ back in 2002. This was definitely not an easy fit for a leader who also had his own political ambitions and had initially vied for presidency.

Tried and tested through rough and sometimes bruising political waters, Raila has on many occasions been roughed up by authorities for speaking out against economic mismanagement and political corruption. With years in the Opposition, he has called out the corrupt and promptly made Kenyans know of any political machinations that would be costly to the country. He is the only leader who has seemingly appeared to be genuinely concerned for the welfare of Kenyans, forestalled a further theft of public resources and spoke out against corrupt individuals. Despite this, he has in equal measure,  seen the wrath of the reigning governments, has been lynched, threatened and even jailed all for speaking out for the voiceless, unwavered by his fight for democracy. Without a doubt, a Kenya without a Raila leadership would not have achieved the reforms attained to date.

Even in political turmoil, when Kenya was on the verge of disintegrating into war, with political tensions on the verge of exploding, Raila, has been able to thaw out hardline stunts, initiating peaceful negotiation talks even when he had been denied a political win. Two occasions demonstrate this trait. After the 2007/2008 political violence and the subsequent formation of a  coalition government with former President Mwai Kibaki and in 2017 when Kenyans were surprised with a “handshake” that eased and eventually calmed the political tensions that were at play.

Leadership requires a high level of responsibility right from a family set up all the way to the national and international set up. And this has been well demonstrated by Raila through his experiences which have rightfully attained him global recognition as he is a known figure in international circles.

Raila is a forthright, democratic leader who envisions Kenya on a positive economic trajectory right from the grass root level to the country’s rich investments.

This is the moment of change and Raila is the piece and the prize that will complete Kenya’s political succession plan. He is the leader Kenya needs for this moment in time.

Ms Chiteri is a communications consultant and graduate student in corporate communication. [email protected]