Raila Warns of Messy, Chaotic 2022

Opposition leader Raila Odinga says there will be dire consequences if the changes envisaged in the handshake between himself and President Kenyatta are not implemented before the next general elections.

Speaking during an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Gilgil on Tuesday, Raila said that the 2022 polls will be messy and chaotic if the reforms spelt out in the unity pact between him and the head of state are not effected.

“Without the changes we envisage in the MoU, 2022 will be messy. It will come with the same confusion, heartbreaks and possibly chaos. We are trying to forestall such eventualities,” said Odinga.

Although details of the unity agreement remain unknown, the ODM leader alluded to a referendum being among the key agendas proposed in the deal.

“Addressing some of these issues may require changes to some of our laws and even amendments to the constitution. When that time comes, we must be bold enough to pick up the challenge as a matter of duty to the nation,”the opposition leader added.

Odinga urged his party members to support the unity agreement and not to allow themselves to be distracted by those he termed as “political shylocks” who are opposed to the reforms initiative.

He further noted that the country is at a crossroads and politicians must look beyond 2022 if the country is to realise meaningful reconciliation.

“That handshake was not about 2022. It was too significant an event to be reduced to a struggle for positions, promises and ambitions of individuals,” he said.

“Kenya is at a crossroads. Elections are mini civil wars. Businesses close at election time. Citizens relocate to perceived safe areas at election time. Many of our citizens feel disenfranchised and excluded. Corruption is killing this nation. Citizens view each other with suspicion, mistrust and anger. A little misstep and we tip over the precipice,” Odinga remarked.