RAILA’S NEGLECTED ORPHANS

Losing a parent is arguably the worst thing to happen to a child. It is the hope of every child that life is kind after the demise of a parent. Some kids get lucky to have supportive relatives or foster homes. Others are unlucky with life dealing a cruel hand. This is the case of the three orphans left under the care of ODM Leader Raila Odinga. For the past few years they have been seen wandering in the streets begging for crumbs and sometimes affection.

When the second president of the republic retired to the calm breeze of Kabarak, he left a handful of political orphans. Among them would be Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, Nicholas Biwott, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula, Musalia Mudavadi… Some did well in fending for themselves with one even becoming a president ten years later. Some were too weak to swim alone and so decided to find foster homes.

Raila was kind enough over the years to take three orphans in his home. Although many have argued that Raila might have taken those orphans for selfish reasons, it cannot be debated that if he had not taken them they would have died from loneliness, self pity or political isolation. When Raila invited Kalonzo to dine in his home, he was depressed after losing his popularity among Kenyan masses and so his dream of leading the country.

Kalonzo at one time was the popular candidate to succeed Mwai Kibaki. Kibaki had said he aimed at being a one term president and Kalonzo seemed a safe pair of hands. He had led alongside Raila Odinga the battalion that defeated the proposed constitution. Few months later, it seemed that Kenyans either got tired of his immaculately combed hair, soprano voice or his apparent lack of steel in fighting for reforms. As his star dimmed so did Raila’s star rise. No one was surprised when he knocked on Raila’s door asking for shelter. Raila had his first Nyayo orphan.

Raila had a soft spot for the ever smiling son of Mulembe. He was cut from the same cloth. Their fathers were powerful figures in post independence Kenya. They used the same highway when going home and most importantly, Musalia had votes in his backyard. Raila would take the second Nyayo orphan and make him the most trusted loyal lieutenant. When Kalonzo ran away from home, Musalia was made the second in command.

Moses Wetangula is a pro bono case. He did not bring any significant advantage to Raila’s family. He did not have votes to brag of. Raila was more popular in Luhya Land than Wetangula himself. Maybe he took in Wetangula out of pity. Maybe it was a CSR duty to him. It is not unsurprising that Wetangula remained under Raila’s wing for the longest time possible though it could be because he is a man of seemingly limited ambitions.

The three orphans came with their own challenges. They were not easy to deal with. At one time Kalonzo ran away with ODM Kenya certificate. He left his foster home and rented his own house,. When he failed to pay rent, he went to Raila’s political enemy and betrayed him so he could be given a vice presidents position. Later he would be kicked out by Kibaki as he endorsed Uhuru. Like the prodigal son, he would go back to his father dejected and full of remorse. Raila would welcome him back with open arms.

Musalia years later would behave like Kalonzo. He would rush to make a political deal with Uhuruto. He would forget that it is Raila who made him get reelected in Vihiga. He would forget that it is Raila who made him a Deputy Prime Minister. Following the script of Kalonzo, he was kicked out and forced to fend for himself. Years later, he would make the same journey as Kalonzo and at the end of the road Raila would be sitting waiting to welcome back his prodigal son.

Moses Wetangula has never done anything big to betray Raila. Yes he missed the swearing in ceremony but maybe someone had stolen his glasses or he had been beaten again the previous night. In the case of Wetangula, Raila just woke up one day and decided he was dispensable.

After the handshake it seems that Raila has left the three political orphans in the cold. They don’t know if to fully embrace TangaTanga or Kieleweke movements. At one time Wetangula and Musalia were so confused that they almost decided to be running mates. Kalonzo is seemingly broke and struggling to pull a crowd. The three have openly courted Ruto on several occasions and he has shunned them. They have resorted to insulting Ruto with an aim of catching Raila’s attention. Their hope is that Raila will notice them and invite them back to the dining table.