Unveiling the Mystery: The Events Surrounding Kenya’s Presidency

 The focus of this analysis is the peculiar chain of events surrounding Saturday, January 19, 2019. That day, President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the funeral of Bruce Odhiambo, a close friend with whom he shared a long history, including their time as schoolmates and rugby teammates.

After the burial in Koru, Muhoroni, the president’s motorcade headed to Kisumu International Airport. However, just as he was preparing to board a plane back to Nairobi, something unusual happened. Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, called him aside for a brief conversation. Following this, the president unexpectedly abandoned his flight and left the airport with Raila in a two-car convoy, leaving behind his security detail.

While official sources claimed they went to inspect a water hyacinth removal project at Lake Victoria, many believe this was a cover story. The president’s return flight to Nairobi was delayed by nearly four hours, sparking intense curiosity about the true purpose of this meeting.

Adding to the intrigue, the next day, January 20, 2019, President Kenyatta’s brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, attended the 25th anniversary memorial for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father. This marked a rare public appearance by Muhoho alongside Raila, making many observers take notice.

The puzzle deepened on January 21, when the president issued an executive order granting Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i sweeping powers to oversee the cabinet. Analysts interpreted this as a strategic move to diminish Deputy President William Ruto’s influence.

Then, on January 23, Raila hosted Beth Mugo and Ngengi Muigai—both first cousins of President Kenyatta—in a significant meeting. The two have close familial and political ties to the president, underscoring the depth of connections in these developments.

Interpreting the Events

The rapid succession of these occurrences suggests a deliberate alignment among key figures in Kenya’s political sphere. This can be likened to “circling the wagons,” a defensive strategy used to prepare for an impending attack or criticism.

Why might the president and his allies feel the need to fortify themselves? One plausible explanation is their ongoing battle against entrenched corruption, a fight that has provoked strong resistance from powerful interests. Historically, such efforts have faced intense pushback, as seen during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure in the early 2000s.

The involvement of Raila Odinga in these events further highlights the significance of the unfolding political maneuvers. His participation points to a strategic alliance, possibly aimed at implementing controversial or transformative initiatives expected to face public or political resistance.

Conclusion

While rumors abound, the facts point to a concerted effort by President Kenyatta and his allies to solidify their position amid challenging circumstances. Whether this involves the anti-corruption agenda or a broader political strategy remains to be seen.