Ruto, Uhuru homecoming prayers driven by hypocrisy

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 00:06 BY TOM ALILA

Deputy PM Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, seem to have stolen the moment of their return from the Hague to show case their political might . Their co-suspects Henry Kosgey, Postmaster General Hussein Ali , journalist Joshua arap Sang and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura opted not to make any public farce about their encounter at the Hague .
 When the Ocampo Six appeared before the Pre-Trail Chamber II last, Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova warned the suspects not to engage in any hate speech or activities that are likely to lead to violence since this would automatically lead to arrest warrants being issued. It is in this regard that both Uhuru and Ruto changed political tact as “ National peace builders”. At their so called homecoming prayer meeting , turned political fiasco , they trod a very thin line in their rhetoric .
 The aftermath of the disputed 207 elections which led to the formation of the coalition saw Prime Minister Raila Odinga make major concessions in the power sharing . He conceded all State related and substantive government positions such as Foreign Affairs, Internal Security , Defence , Finance , and the control of the Civil Service at the expense of internal bickering within ODM in exchange for peace and stability in the country .
 Some elements within ODM were disgruntled by ‘half a loaf’ power sharing fomular which did not satisfy their fat egos. That is the genesis of the rebellion within the ODM which seemed to have been inspired more by greed and not the claims that Raila is behind the common curse shared by Rutu and Uhuru in the aftermath to post election violence .
 The roots of conflict in Rift Valley land originate in British colonial policy, post-independence land policies, and the tendency to view all things political through the narrow lens of ethnicity. Analysts argue that since the restoration of multi-party politics, unscrupulous politicians have for their own selfish ends exacerbated clashes over land between the Kalenjins and communities who border them especially the Kikuyu , Kisii and the Luo .
 Leaders have failed to guide their people from “freedom from fear and freedom from want” and instead used their fear of Raila as a political weapon . They are now tying to transform themselves from suspects of violence to inspectors and givers of peace by using prayers as a means to hide their political agenda . It is indeed sad that a section of religious leaders who ought to be impartial have taken sides on matters that are beyond their jurisdiction .

Tom Alila is the KANU chairman Ndhiwa