Did Raila Odinga storm out of US meeting?

 The pressing question on many Kenyans' minds, particularly those closely following Kenyan politics and current events, is: how did Raila Odinga's meeting in the United States unfold? What happened, and how did the negotiations conclude? So far, no concrete information has emerged from the U.S., leaving Kenyans in the dark. Instead, we are left with unverified reports and rumors.

Let’s begin with what we know and then examine the unknown to shed some light on what may have transpired in the U.S., an event that could have significant political implications.

First, it is confirmed that the meeting took place and has since concluded. However, the outcome of a meeting often reveals its success or failure—whether objectives were met or left unresolved. According to credible sources, the discussions were inconclusive. This could mean they will continue at a later date, or they may remain unresolved for the foreseeable future.

Interestingly, rumors suggest that Raila Odinga may have walked out of the meeting in disagreement with the proposals on the table. While rumors cannot be treated as facts, lawyer Miguna Miguna recently posted a tweet hinting that these claims might not be far from reality. As you can see from the tweet, you are free to form your own opinion on the matter in the absence of verified information.

What options does Raila Odinga have moving forward? Examining these could help us predict what might happen next. It's clear that Raila is determined to reclaim what he perceives as his stolen victory. In the past, he has opted for agreements such as a handshake, a coalition government, or a unity pact. However, those options are reportedly off the table this time, as both Raila and his supporters are unwilling to compromise in such a manner.

Raila had already laid out plans that were independent of the U.S. meeting. These include close consultations with his political and legal advisors, as discussed in earlier updates. This indicates that Raila is gearing up for a decisive move that could change the political landscape.

On the local scene, some developments that initially appeared to disadvantage Raila may actually work in his favor. For instance, the news that the Jubilee Party might exit Azimio disappointed many of Raila’s supporters. On the surface, Jubilee’s departure would weaken Azimio, especially when numbers are crucial. However, a deeper analysis reveals a different picture.

The unity within the House of Mumbi (a political term for the Kikuyu community) across party lines is already having a noticeable impact. For example, in the recent election for East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) representatives, a House of Mumbi candidate, Kanini Kega, won with votes from both UDA and Azimio members. This unity could have been encouraged by Azimio leadership, as it may be easier to foster solidarity among the House of Mumbi outside the coalition rather than within it. This strategic move allows the community to strengthen its influence collectively, even from opposing sides of the political divide.

Moreover, some dissatisfaction among UDA-aligned House of Mumbi members over unfulfilled promises has further fueled this unity. What initially seemed like a setback for Raila may, in fact, give him an advantage.

Raila Odinga has often thrived in situations where he appeared cornered. Despite media reports painting a grim picture of his prospects, the reality might be quite different. Raila’s political history shows that he often capitalizes on moments of perceived weakness to launch game-changing moves.

While it’s unclear whether his return to Kenya will be marked by the usual fanfare, indications suggest that significant developments could follow. Brace yourself for potentially explosive political changes once Raila returns.