With the exit of our greatest political icon, Raila Odinga, it is almost unfeasible that we will witness a similar enigma in this generation. To become an enigma in the Kenyan political arena is almost an impossible feat. In most of his political functions, Raila’s charismatic appeal recorded mammoth supporters, overwhelming security systems. The immensity was not just seen but also felt with the gusto and vibrancy when his supporters were responding to him. When he was being transported from JKIA to Kasarani, the security apparatus was overwhelmed to the extent of going overboard to shoot, kill and maim to try and manage the situation. That is how difficult it was to control the enormous appeal and love Raila had created.
To become an enigma, one has to be prepared to undergo political persecution. Raila was persecuted in fight for the multiparty democracy in Kenya. Being arrested without trial and detained in the most horrendous and brutal conditions marked his ascendancy to the political greatness. Second, one has to be ready to sacrifice almost everything, even family. While escaping Moi’s lethal and ruthless arm, Raila had to stay away from his family for as log as it took.
Third, one must face the brutal betrayal of the electorate and accept to be used as an unappreciated vessel. While he could be praised from all quarters, some voters turned their back on him and even after losing, they still wanted him to fight for their rights. Relatedly, one must also be ready to expose their family to mockery, abuses and discrimination. Raila’s family underwent humiliation, discrimination and constant government surveillance, making them live like slaves in their own country.
One must also be ready to face mockery and abuse from non-supporters. Due to tribal politics and stereotypic narratives formed about Raila and the Luo tribe, he has always failed to get support from some quarters. Politicians from these regions, especially Mt. Kenya, have always turned him into a punching bag through inexpressible abuses and unrealistic narratives, just to create a monstrous image out of him. For many years, Raila bore generational brute as children born in Kikuyuland were indoctrinated to perceive him as a monster.
One must also be ready to be persistent, despite never achieving what one purposes. Raila lost several elections, most through state machinery rigging, and still maintained relevance. While it is expected that a repeated political loss should discourage someone, Raila was always revitalized to vie in every election, until his demise.
Becoming an enigma also means taking unlikely risks. A keen scan of Raila’s political journey reveals the countless risks he took to nurture his portfolio, the most memorable being resigning from his party and prompting a By-Election, something even the most popular politicians dread to the core.
One must also become a myth, almost difficult to understand. For Raila, legends were developed about him. Great leaders are a mystery and have untold legends, that is, almost unrealistic stories that people narrate to try and elucidate them. Many legends are told of Raila, some even claiming how he always morphed into different shapes to escape arrest. For Raila, these mythical narrations immortalized him as people tried to demystify his political prowess and the great charm he possessed.
All these traits coalesce to form a national and international appeal, which comes with one developing a charisma that attracts a huge followership. For Raila, that feat was achieved. May we live to see if we will ever have such an icon again in our generation.
The Columnist is a Research Consultant, Policy Analyst & Strategist