By William O. Makora
The latest opinion polls make me believe Kenya has begun to attract trust to her institutions. The results show the right spirit in the nation, save for margin of error. If polls ever portrayed well analyzed picture of political outcomes, the latest Ipsos Synovate carries the day despite claims of doctoring. I believe the survey that informed the results was satisfactorily carried out .
Predicaments of Raila (ODM) are also embedded in his theory of disregard; or in his false seat of comfort. His reference as “The Chairman” of the Luo Nyanza cohort must have calmed him over the period; years within which the vehicle’s engine, Pentagon, blew off.
It is true to say that Uhuru M. Kenyatta has vastly gained against Raila A. Odinga in popularity quest and it is just a matter of time before he “sits” on top of him. This is informed by certain factors in the former camp and against the latter.
Uhuru’s TNA has clear windows into the political milieu; capable of flexibly and passionately analyzing, scheming and attracting massive following from other parties. This is due to the burning ambition of its leadership. Unlike Raila’s ODM, Uhuru’s TNA has youthful personalities in the party’s top leadership  that creates rooms for fresh political ideas.
Enriched with political experience enlisted from Kibaki’s core team and monetary powers, TNA has the muscle to influence the nation in the forthcoming elections.
Avoiding run-off
As it is clear today, TNA is the party with a resounding resolution to capture power. This may be motivated by the fact that its leader, Uhuru, and supporters believe that the impending ICC trial may spell misery in case of a runoff . It’s in Uhuru’s interest to win the first round! If that is a potent drive, the other parties may not rival the party’s motivation.
The strategy for TNA was to move fast  and attain horse status in the expected “two horse race”, to this end they are succeeding. TNA will definitely employ a strategy that will set the presidential race to two horses as declared by Raila and that may delete a run-off. Such a strategy if hinged on the current gains will work for TNA.
Raila’s misgivings are in the formation of his party and his own supposition of the current politics. Old guards in leadership of his party are not easy to penetrate hence fear by youngsters who would consider joining it. That explains why the party is losing members to other parties instead. The conjecture that ODM is a massive tree from where birds fly may be in bad faith and taste as the migrating flock may overwhelm at the time of need; or the remaining birds may not be rich enough to bring pride into the heart of the planter. As at now the migration is doing damage to the party.
TNA will try a move that will set the presidential race to “two horses” as declared by Raila and that may delete a run-off. Such a strategy if hinged on the current gains will work  for the TNA.
Predicaments of Raila are also embedded in his theory of disregard; or in his false seat of comfort. His reference as “The Chairman” of the Luo Nyanza cohort must have calmed him over the period; years within which vehicle’s the engine, Pentagon, blew off. When he lost William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala and Kaluki Ngilu, he lost muscles for these are not mere names but campaign machinery. With diehards like Jakoyo Midiwo, Anyang’ Nyong’o, James Orengo, etc. holding chords of his robes, the man is not in the league of progress. What keeps him in contention is a gradually silhouetting goodwill and position as a co-Principal. That is like a tick biting a skin into the tannery.
It is also true that Mudavadi is preferred to win in case of a run-off with any of the aspirants. It is simple: if he goes with Uhuru, Raila’s followers will back him up and vice versa. The question is: how will he navigate his way to second place? The answer is in Ruto’s and/or Kalonzo Musyoka’s support especially when they get keen on a third force, ostensibly, to disappoint the so-called “first two”. That is the interesting part of the game that precedes Kenya’s forthcoming General Elections.
Likely scenario
In event that the results stand as predicted, Raila will not be a president in Kenya. That means he has everything to lose, including the goodwill he currently wields. That is a nightmare one cannot survive. Even though he “mustn’t be a president”, losing to people the age of his son is something that must worry him.
Losing a run-off which looks as “the decider” is the summary of a very bad news. This throws Raila’s spanners onto the loose bolts throughout the time (and exceptionally cleverly) in order that he reduces the race to his first round as the poll predicted. This will save his face from the embarrassment of defeat by Uhuru (in Kenya or in the Hague), or Mudavadi in a run-off.
If Raila ever thinks that he is safe in a run-off “because Uhuru and Ruto may be in court at the ICC”, he rather thinks twice. Like scathed sheep, their followers may escape and pitch camps with his rival. If law allows Uhuru’s name both on the ballot and in the court, people will vote in a suspect for a president thereby making Raila one of the awkward aspirants ever in the world. Or, in the same light, Mudavadi may simply replace Uhuru. That is also awkward as Mudavadi currently controls a mere 7% of the votes.
If Raila and his handlers are not going to wake up to reality and employ a winning scheme, they will only have themselves to blame. Presently, the ODM has not done enough ground work. A lot of grounds are ceded to the competitors in a careless comfort where the public is taken for granted with cheap maxims. Since the ODM has believed in the polls in the past it will be reckless to dismiss it today. If they take it as a wake up call and stitch in time, it will save them. It is on this basis that I agree with the poll forecast.
May the best horse will the race!
Kenya may redefine the course to stability if it slips off the path!
However much all things may unite the nation but elections divide the people, no one should be swayed against the ultimate dream of good leadership and national progress. The people must safeguard indicators of prosperity.
that's a well observed opinion.
Jesie, the race is tricky for Raila; very tricky. If he further warms his seat, people with faith in him may think he does not mean business. His co-principal, Mwai Kibaki is comfortable because he has no more to achieve. That is not with Raila. He should not let Uhuru or Mudavadi to embarrass him in a run-off.
I agree with you entirely on the above analysis. only to add that unless ODM watches kinly it is getting to alsmost to a tribal party and not national party when you take into consideration the split of the Pentagon and mass exodus of the so called die had supporters then
Mr. Momanyi, the ODM leadership must be wary of the trend of things by now unless the people care about their individual prospects alone. Their sitting pretty and talking as if they awake from deep slumber is a big mistake. I watched and listened to Hon. Otieno Kajwang’ dismissing Kanu (which had indicated wish to join hand with the party) and I said: “Awful!”
ODM tribal party? tell that to the birds. Check ethnic backgrounds of those leaving ODM to TNA, URP and UDF. And those joining ODM like Wako, Ngozi Rai, Kibagendi and Gitobu Imanyara? This cheap propaganda won’t wash
Mr. Khaemba, what do you say about the ODM candidate’s fortunes against other presidential aspirants?! Does the party go stronger or weaker by the day?!
Kenyan politics is very fluid and we look forward t ideologies and issues, what worries me is the fact that almost half the population will go into an election to vote for governers and senators who will wield huge clout and manage massive budgets and yet they do not understand devolution.! This election should not only focus on a president with limited power but rather an administration that sill deliver top to bottom. The right candidates if we havs the right focus
BigKev, you are right in your observation BUT unlike the Senators, the Governors, etc, in the devolved system, the President unites the nation. The position escapes County or regional confinements and therefore attracts the concern of the entire nation. We want to know who the custodian of the nation is going to be!
Kenyan politics is very fluid and we look forward t ideologies and issues, what worries me is the fact that almost half the population will go into an election to vote for governers and senators who will wield huge clout and manage massive budgets and yet they do not understand devolution.! This election should not only focus on a president with limited power but rather an administration that sill deliver top to bottom. The right candidates if we havs the right focus
BigKev, you are right in your observation BUT unlike the Senators, the Governors, etc, in the devolved system, the President unites the nation. The position escapes County or regional confinements and therefore attracts the concern of the entire nation. We want to know who the custodian of the nation is going to be!
Mr Makora.but what worries me tha most is that i dont think kenya need any of the two.When will good leaders who are non tribal,good track record and men of Integrity e.g Peter Keneth have a chance to lead this great nation?
I also think Ruto and Karua can make very good leaders. Others are people like Nyachae and Naikuni.
RAILAS WOES COME FROM THE SLEEPING NON STRATEGISts LIKE KAJWANG. TNA WILL LiCK YOUR ANYTHING TO GET YOUR VOTES even if they wont owner a MoU kajwang will not lick you but he is capable of ownering MoU……at the end of the day the boot licker will lead…..so ODM should change.
I agree that the ODM needs some controversial surgery. The kind of surgery should ostracize people with loose, dirty tongues and bad images like eating clients' insurance monies, etc.
That is a good wake up call for the currently most popular party in the country and its presidential aspirant.Something must be done because time is not on ODM/Raila side for now.But why gang up against a 'weak' side if you are not weaker?
Ticha mbona kunyamaza
Vitalis, the ODM is not weak, it is the 'gang-up' that weakens it. It is also the failure to apply a controversially competitive gear that slugs it. That must be people driven!
I want you to believe the polls to end don't start shifting later
Kenn; don't you be worried about the polls, they are ever around us. Whatever changes portrayed by them indicate some positive work done or simply negligence.
Kenn; don’t you be worried about the polls, they are ever around us. Whatever changes portrayed by them indicate some positive work done or simply negligence.
Ladies and gentlemen, Uhuru M. Kenyatta may take Kenya from us but by mistake. I don't think he is ripe enough for the mantle. He does not know Kenya or what to do with it. I think he wants it for some selfish reasons..
13 hours ago · Like.
The problem the nation has with Kibaki who thinks Ganze and Galole Constituencies are neighbors of Somalia and that Tana River County is in Eastern region of the country. We want a leader who knows and appreciates diversity of the Kenyan communities and cultures. Uhuru is yet to traverse the nation.
The problem the nation has with Kibaki who thinks Ganze and Galole Constituencies are neighbors of Somalia and that Tana River County is in Eastern region of the country. We want a leader who knows and appreciates diversity of the Kenyan communities and cultures. Uhuru is yet to traverse the nation.
Makora who's your candidate from the ones already in the race for the top office?
This is because I have been keenly reading your comments to I fail to identify your Man for this,could he be MM?
Liech, my friend; I like your concern but I do not as yet have a candidate. I stand by the sides of the field observing as the contest builds up. The game is getting trickier and the nation may be lost for a choice! That notwithstanding, I know of Kenyans who can make good leadership. They may not be in the front line though. I regret.
I see a scenario where Kenyans may be forced to retreat other than rush to the ballot box. Otherwise, a wrong thing may occur and the nation may remain in 'the quagmire'. That is regretful.