Koigi wa Wamwere is probably the most controversial MP in the current parliament and taking his equally controversial past in consideration, his friends and foes will agree that his decision to form a political party next month came as no surprise.
The former detainee of the Moi era is well known for his defiance against authority that led to his detention and subsequent flight to Sweden where he was offered asylum only to return shortly before Moi relinquished power.
He easily captured the Subukia parliamentary seat during the 2002 elections and went on to shave his dreadlocks as a sign that the 'struggle for freedom' was over after the defeat of Kanu but little did he know that he would soon end up disagreeing with the Kibaki administration and Narc-K.
Koigi is to launch his new party next month after accusing Narc and Narc-Kenya of failing the people of Kenya by playing the politics of money and instead of that of issues to convince the electorate to vote for them this time round.
What many political observers appreciate about Koigi's bitterness with the Kibaki administration is the fact that this administration now has a rather cozy relationship with former president Moi whom Koigi still hates with passion.
Being from the same tribe as the president, Koigi's move to form a political party will probably not make much a big impact but considering the fact that ethnicity and tribalism is still deeply entrenched in Kenya. The move will however embarrass the head of state.
Koigi's intention of 'moving out' of the government has already attracted hostility from his constituents who burnt his effigy a few days ago before taking him to task yesterday over the expenditure of the constituency development fund.
It is now evident that the government will field a strong and well-funded candidate to contest the Subukia parliamentary seat and ensure that Wamwere is beaten as he has become a 'traitor' in the Kibaki administration by not supporting his re-election bid.
In spite of all that Koigi is going through, he remains among the sober politicians in Kenya today and always seems to be fighting for justice and equality even if it means rubbing the government he serves the wrong way.
The past five years may not necessarily have been Koigi's best as a politician and even if he is among the few voices in government who perpetually condemn corruption, his quest for justice might just sadly cost him his parliamentary seat.
A Kenyan safari of a lifetime at a price you will not believe.
Personally I would prefer to see the likes of Koigi, Maathai and Orengo where they belong - as activists for Kenyans's political rights rather than the silent politicians they've become. If you think about it who is fighting for us? I know the Ngilu belief of fighting from the inside but there are some people that are meant to work from the outside.
ReplyDeleteHey Kumekucha,
ReplyDeleteI have not seen any piece on the on going war in ODM pitting the Raila camp against the Kalonzo camp. The past two days have seen the camps go for each other's necks. Enlighten us please.