Raila Odinga is dead. Gone. And Kenya is now coming to terms with a country without Raila Odinga, a cult-like leader who was loved, feared, and worshiped by millions of his supporters. His death has shaken many.
But the way the Kenya Kwanza Government handled the news of his death brought into question the level and kind of intelligence Kenya has. It was baffling that the government machinery was as shocked as the rest of Kenyans.
The rumors have been around for a week, but became paramount on Wednesday morning when it was apparent that Raila Odinga was no more. During the deaths of Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, the government made the announcement early, setting the mood and flow of events from the early stages.
In the case of Raila Odinga, the government seemed confused. Perhaps, this was because of fear of what would hit the nation if the news “broke out”. But the news was already out there. The nation was panicking, and people, mixed with angry goons, were in the streets.
Raila Odinga’s home was “invaded” by “mourners” who, to an extent, could not give the widow a chance to speak. In other places, thousands were in the streets for the love they had for Raila Odinga, but goons took advantage to rob businesses and people.
The President spoke 10 hours later. That shouldn’t have been the case. The government would have announced the death of the Prime Minister, then come back with other updates later. The announcement was handled in the most kienyeji way.
But I understand the fear and the confusion. Raila Odinga was no ordinary human being. He was a god, a movement, a strong wind that even managing news about him would challenge even the most powerful experts.
The bigger challenge is how the government will manage crowds that will turn up to view the body of Raila Odinga. Thousands will come, and violence might be witnessed. Raila Odinga was the Man of the People, and those people will come. He lived by teargas, will he go by teargas?
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