The Trouble with the NADCO Report: A Political Crisis for the UDA Government

 

 After the long weekend, politicians are back in action, and for those closely watching, the latest political drama unfolding is centered around the NADCO report. The government is currently grappling with this issue, and while it might seem like business as usual, there’s much more at stake than meets the eye.

The NADCO report is the result of a negotiation that followed the tragic loss of innocent lives during the Manda Manenos of early 2023. While the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is a key focus of the report, it’s the matter of opening the 2022 election servers, particularly for the presidential race, that has captured the attention of most Kenyans.

Strangely enough, the government’s reaction to the court’s injunction blocking access to these servers has been one of uncertainty and confusion. While the majority of Kenyans would assume that the government would be eager to open the servers, revealing a win in the presidential race, the situation is more complicated. Why would the government block the servers unless there is something to hide?

This is where the problem lies. The government's attempt to delay the implementation of the NADCO report and the associated issues is causing a political crisis within the ruling party. The problem seems to stem from a culture within UDA (United Democratic Alliance) of relying on quick-fix solutions. These quick-fix ideas, while appearing to address urgent matters like the weakening Kenyan shilling or fuel prices, have consistently failed and, in some cases, backfired.

When individuals within the party take matters into their own hands, expecting rewards for their initiatives, the backlash often leaves them scrambling for cover. A recent move to block the opening of the election servers, thinking it would please the UDA leadership, has instead caused massive headaches. This blunder appears to have been authorized by key figures in the government, adding fuel to the crisis.

Political mistakes of this nature are not new in Kenya. A historical example can be found in the tragic tale of Tom Mboya, who was used by State House to eliminate his rival Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. However, Mboya’s success in doing so ultimately led to his downfall when he was left as the only threat to the presidency, which led to his assassination. This serves as a cautionary tale about underestimating the complexities of political maneuvering.

Now, back to the current situation: the UDA government is not worried solely about the servers being opened. What truly concerns them is that they have gone against a previously agreed-upon deal to fully implement the NADCO report. This is no small matter. The deal with powerful external forces involved significant financial commitments, and any deviation could destabilize an already fragile economy.

In conclusion, the actions surrounding the NADCO report and the subsequent blocking of the server audit may seem like small mistakes, but they are causing significant turmoil in the UDA government. If the situation isn’t handled carefully, it could lead to severe political repercussions. Those responsible for this latest blunder may find themselves in far deeper trouble than they expected.