Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino claim to be students of Raila Odinga. However, it seems they have overlooked some key topics that Raila taught or perhaps they are still inexperienced in politics.
One crucial topic that Sifuna and Babu have failed to grasp is the concept of permanent enmity in politics. Those who truly understand Raila’s teachings know that there is no such thing as permanent enmity in this arena. Raila illustrated this lesson through his own experiences. Despite being detained by the late President Moi for eight years in the harshest conditions, he eventually forgave Moi and worked with him as if nothing had happened.
Furthermore, the late Mwai Kibaki betrayed Raila after Raila had handed him the presidency on a silver platter. Kibaki and Martha Karua went on to steal Raila’s votes in the 2007 election, leading to horrific post-election violence in Kenya, during which Raila’s supporters were harmed and killed by the police. Nevertheless, Raila still forgave Kibaki, collaborated with him, allowed him to retain the presidency and later made Karua his running mate.
Similarly, Uhuru Kenyatta also committed unspeakable acts against Raila, yet they eventually became friends until Raila’s passing.
Even Nelson Mandela worked with F.W. de Klerk in South Africa to end apartheid, despite having been imprisoned for 26 years. This serves to illustrate that holding a grudge indefinitely is futile; even the Bible teaches us to forgive.
Returning to Sifuna and Babu, they need to reflect on what grievances Ruto has inflicted upon them that their newfound allies, Uhuru and Gachagua, have not and cannot do to them. If these two are not careful, they might soon find themselves isolated.
