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Elder Lister
It feels like history is repeating itself, but with a twist.
In 1963, the Kikuyu and Luo worked together to remove the colonialists, only for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to later walk away. Then, in 2002, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga worked together under political circumstances that feel very similar to the current climate, with the goal of removing Moi from power. Again, Raila eventually walked away.
But something has changed. The current generation of Luos appears unwilling to join forces with Kikuyus to pursue a shared political agenda. That eerily reflects some of the political patterns seen during the colonial era and the Moi years.
The debates we are now witnessing on television are the same kinds of debates that usually happen after elections, when Luos feel politically shortchanged.
Kenya’s history is unfolding in real time. Only time will tell what the political consequences will be for the two communities.
In 1963, the Kikuyu and Luo worked together to remove the colonialists, only for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to later walk away. Then, in 2002, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga worked together under political circumstances that feel very similar to the current climate, with the goal of removing Moi from power. Again, Raila eventually walked away.
But something has changed. The current generation of Luos appears unwilling to join forces with Kikuyus to pursue a shared political agenda. That eerily reflects some of the political patterns seen during the colonial era and the Moi years.
The debates we are now witnessing on television are the same kinds of debates that usually happen after elections, when Luos feel politically shortchanged.
Kenya’s history is unfolding in real time. Only time will tell what the political consequences will be for the two communities.