The events after the highly contested 2017 Presidential elections are ones that will linger in the minds of Kenyans for a log time now. Well, the two people at the center of all the chaos and confusion that followed the elections have since kissed and made up.
Back then, National Super Alliance (NASA) led by Raila Odinga was so hell bent on ensuring that Uhuru’s Jubilee does not ascend to power. The coalition did everything including coming up with a People’s Assembly.
NASA planned Mass Actions and Resistance with talks of Secession also surfacing.
NASA head of strategy David Ndii said the coalition is well prepared for mass action and secession. “If change cannot come through the ballot, it will come through the bullet.”
Part of the resistance was to be driven by “People’s Assemblies”. The same were to be established in NASA leaning counties. A number of county assemblies ratified the move.
It was through these that later on January 30, the opposition brigade embarked on a vigorous plan to swear-in Raila as the People’s president.
Former Attorney General Githu Muigai warned that Raila would be charged with treason if he proceeded with the oathing plan. The punishment for treason is death.
But Raila defied the threats, wore a white outfit and a black cap and proceeded with oath. He swore by the Bible and signed documents to the effect of assuming his role as the People’s President.
“I, Raila Amollo Odinga, do swear that I will protect the nation as the people’s president.. that I will be faithful … so help me God,” he declared to thousands of his followers at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
The ecstatic supporters who went to the venue from as early as 6am cheered, danced and blew whistles during the proceedings. The police declared the meeting illegal but later withdrew.
Raila’s oath was administered by Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang and former Nairobi governor candidate Miguna Miguna.