It is now clear that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s choice for president is ODM leader Raila Odinga who is to try his lack for the fifth time.
The two who contested in the 2013 and 2017 elections as nemesis, have become close friends. But, inspite of the president’s personal endorsement, he is facing herculean task of convincing the Mount Kenya voting block why he is supporting the man he convinced them is not good for leading the country.
Many people more so the supporters of Raila are deluded that Uhuru’s support is direct ticket to the throne, that he will automatically deliver the crown to Raila.
Raila’s presidency is being viewed as Uhuru’s project.
It is almost clear that Kenyans are tired with Uhuru’s regime, this is clear by social media hashtag ‘maliza uende’ (finish and go) which trended last year. This year the lower food prices hashtag also shows how cost of living is high and in conjunction with accumulating national debt.
Therefore, Kenyans view Raila’s presidency as continuation of Uhuru’s legacy, a prospect, most Kenyans rage against.
It is just the same thing with the 2002 general election when the then president, Daniel Moi supported Uhuru Kenyatta. Kenyans voted for Mwai Kibaki to punish Moi whose regime is considered one of the worse in Kenyan history.
Raila has been viewed through out his life as people’s liberator due to his liberation credentials but since having a handshake with his erstwhile political rival Uhuru, these credentials are questionable and doesn’t resonate well with the people because he is associated with Jubilee failures.
Raila must now fight to erase the project Uhuru’s tag. Uhuru will also have a difficult time to convince the people of the mountain to vote for the man he said is not fit for the country’s leadership.
This year’s general election is becoming interesting with the current alliances that are being formed will others are sent to oblivion.
