Thursday, April 4, 2013

A letter to Hon.Raila Amolo Odimga

Dear Raila Odinga,
When i was young (around 13 years), i attended a rally in Kilifi Public Ground which you addressed as a guest speaker. From that time on, i have been a keen follower of your political activities to date. The issues you raised then are consistent with what you have been standing for until late yesterday when you addressed the nation accepting the verdict of the supreme court, calling for unity, and pledging support for the new government. I was personally humbled by your words and moved by manner in which you presented yourself before the cameras, the nation and the world. Your political energy and vigour and endless fight for a new Kenya will stick to the memories of many Kenyans in many years to come. You have proved to us that indeed you are an enigma of the Kenyan Politics. You fought a good fight, you kept the faith and finished the race the way it ended.
As you ponder the next move, kindly allow me sir to apologize as a voter and a Kenyan. That for the last decades, we allowed ourselves to be mobilized politically along ethnic identities and the consequence of that was climaxed by the election outcome of March 4th 2013 where numbers clearly reflected tribal demography. This and among other reasons have costed your presidency not once but thrice. But where i come from we have a swahili saying: 'kuvunjika kwa mwiko sio mwisho wa kupika ugali' simply interpreted as life-no matter the misfortune-has to move on. Disappointments like road bumps should not stop us from cruising ahead. I know it is one of the many trying moments currently but be assured that God is with you. Your place in history of this country is not in vain same as your liberation struggle efforts. We enjoy all the democratic freedom and space courtesy of the spirited fight and sacrifice you and other Kenyans offered to take this country that far.
Finally it will not be kind for me to end without sharing my thoughts as many people hypothesize on the issue: what next for you. Few things can work for your legacy now:
1. In one of my communication class, i was made to appreciate the power of silence in a complex context like yours. Let Kenyans miss your voice and even public appearance for few months.
2. Think of your successor (or may be you have one in mind). Invest your political wisdom and experience to empower that possible successor- please note, not a tribal successor but someone who represent a national face.
3. I know you still have energy to engage yourself in many areas including your professional line, if i were you i could avoid any local political assignment for now. If need be then international such as AU or UN can fit your bill. Don't ask me why.
4. Whenever you will be, let your political words, actions and strategies be towards uniting this country as well as consolidating your political formation: CORD.
5. Rest, eat well, exercise and pray (more than you have been doing before) because me personally i want to see you more energetic, happier and healthy.

AS Kenyans, we will honour our patriotic duty of respecting and working with the new leadership especially when it comes to implementation and guarding of the new KATIBA which you fought for.

God bless you
Charles Dunga Chigiri
Kenyan Voter