Kenya welcomed 2018 in political turmoil characterised by ethnic and party divisions. By January 2018, the country was split into two political factions– Jubilee Party and NASA Coalition pulling in opposite directions.
NASA leader Raila Odinga had marshalled legislators to spearhead boycotts on consumption of certain products from companies they had believed were leaning towards the government.
The NASA faction would then make good their threats as Mr Odinga and coalition leaders and their supporters stormed Uhuru Park, Nairobi, for the mock swearing-in on January 30.
Co-principals Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya, Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper Party and ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi were conspicuously absent as speculations peaked on their whereabouts.
Kenyan-cum-Canadian lawyer Miguna Miguna would then crash with police. Miguna was detained and later deported even as court issued numerous orders for him to be produced in court and charged.
Mistrust and anxiety among the NASA principals seemed buried under the debris as they displayed plastic unity. However, their tattered relationship would be brutally exposed when Raila Odinga patched up with President Uhuru Kenyatta on March 9.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula later launched frequent attacks on Raila, calling him a traitor who fell short of expectations. Musalia Mudavadi was equally piqued, accusing Raila of venturing into unity deal behind their backs, terming it individualistic and lacking national appeal.
Kalonzo Musyoka displayed mixed reactions. He would look aversive to the ‘handshake’ but later supported the Uhuru-Raila deal. The deal attracted mixed reactions from many NASA supporters. Some smelt betrayal by their hero whom they felt botched the ‘Canaan dream.’
Others felt that it was a good move to change the political atmosphere that was already on the limits of political brinkmanship. As for Jubilee supporters, this was a moment of bliss-an opportunity for Uhuru to deliver on his promises.