Watching a video of Siaya MCAs perform “TUTAM” song at Sugoi under the esteemed choirmaster Opiyo Wandayi evokes memories of the illustrious choirmaster Thomas Wasonga directing school children in the rendition of “MOI TAWALA KENYA” at Kabarak during the Nyayo era.
Interestingly, both Wandayi and Wasonga originate from Ugunja. It is indeed a region rich in talent! Mwalimu Wasonga and the children were unaware of the larger context and were merely victims of state propaganda.
However, to observe a Cabinet Secretary and MCAs from Siaya county, a region recognized for producing principled political figures such as Obama, Jaramogi, Raila, Oneko, Kodhek, Sijeyo, Obok, and others, in such a manner is inexcusable.
The emblem of prestige and honor that these remarkable individuals conferred upon Siaya has been supplanted by a mark of disgrace, characterized by praise and supplication, courtesy of Wandayi. “Jaluo ok seche,” Baba would often remark.
Let us be clear. Political negotiations are beneficial, essential, and represent the future of politics. The concerning aspect is Dr. Oburu’s haste to engage in negotiations with UDA. Whatever results from this negotiation will be of no value unless the underlying conditions are altered. Furthermore, it will be rendered irrelevant on August 4, 2027, the day following the elections, regardless of whether Ruto emerges victorious. Why? BABA was capable of negotiating anything with anyone independently because he had amassed billions of bonga points from the populace.
Dr. Oburu currently holds no bonga points and does not possess any mandate. BABA had the capacity to employ Theodore Roosevelt’s approach of “Big Stick Diplomacy,” which advocates for “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” to guarantee that any agreements he enters into are upheld. Should this not occur, he could readily mobilize his army to the streets.
Dr. Oburu, however, lacks both the mandate and the ability to summon anyone to the streets. Dr. Oburu must rectify this situation prior to engaging in negotiations with any political affiliation. How?
He must urgently convene the National Delegates Conference to obtain his own mandate as well as the mandate for all other ODM officials. It is essential to restore and re-engineer the party structures to ensure that qualified candidates are nominated through a fair and credible nominations process.
This approach can secure at least 70 Members of Parliament and 15 Senators. Such a strategy will ensure that any agreement made with UDA or any other party will be honored.
Dr. Oburu should engage in more consultations with Nyong’o and Orengo, despite their differing opinions, rather than with party profiteers such as Wandayi, Wanga, Atandi, Junet, Joho, Nassir, Kaluma, and others. If Dr. Oburu continues to adhere to the course set by these opportunists, the future of ODM is bleak.
Just as these opportunists imposed their puppets on the constituents of Ugunja and Kasipul during the by-elections, they will allocate ODM tickets to their associates and the highest bidders in 2027.
However, this time, millions of us will not show leniency. We will distance ourselves from the tainted ODM and uphold BABA’s legacy through the principles he has instilled in us. They may take control of the ODM party and manipulate it as they wish.
Nevertheless, what they cannot take from us are the ideals we learned from BABA. ODM will be diminished to the stature of Ford Kenya or ANC, possessing the fewest MPs in history.
Then, as Dr. Oburu will be sobbing over what he has done to his brother’s party, Ruto (should he prevail) will quickly shift his focus to win over Mulima. Why? Only those with financial resources can safeguard him and the immense wealth he would have amassed after his term concludes.
Opinion by Ranginya
