BRIEF REPORT FROM THE RAILA BOOK LAUNCH IN STOCKHOLM
The book, “Raila Odinga’s Stolen Presidency: Consequences and the Future of Kenya” by Mr. Okoth Osewe, was launched in Stockholm on Saturday January 31st 2009 at Tensta Kultur Kaffe. The event, which was attended by about 40 people, saw Mr. Osewe present the book to the audience after which the author fielded questions. The event was organized by a Committee headed by Mr. Martin Ngatia and which was specifically set up to oversee the launching of the book and other events.
In giving a summary of the book, Mr. Osewe, said that part of the inspiration behind writing the book was his burning desire to put events which led to the rigging of the December election into context and to document what had happened during the tragic moment when the Electoral Commission of Kenya headed by Samuel Kivuitu stole the vote in favor of Kibaki.
Mr. Osewe said that when Kibaki took power in 2007, he was largely considered a transitional President to help defeat the Moi/KANU dictatorship. He said that after Kibaki’s regime began to entrench tribalism especially in the appointment of top Civil servants, failed to deliver a new Constitution and after the regime began to sink deep into corruption scandals because of activities of the thieving Kikuyu ruling class, his thesis is that Kibaki was persuaded to stand in the 2007 election by a group of Mount Kenya Mafia cartel which stood to lose if power slipped from the hands of the Mafia group.
The writer said that the book he was launching contained details why Kibaki’s government failed to deliver on its election promises, a failure which, he said, led to the loss of popularity of Narc and its subsequent defeat at the December 2007 polls.
For example, Mr. Osewe said that Narc was not in a position to fight tribalism because the Party was ideologically bankrupt. He said that it is impossible to eradicate tribalism in Kenya without putting forward a political alternative to tribalism.
He argued that Narc failed to fight corruption because corruption is part and parcel of the capitalist system of government that has crippled Kenya for the last 45 years, adding that unless the system is changed, fighting corruption in Kenya will remain a distant mirage.
United States Wanted To Work With The Devil It Knew
Mr. Osewe also gave an outline of documentary evidence referred to in his book about the stealing of Raila’s Presidency and which supported his position that the December 2007 election was rigged in favor of Kibaki. He said that findings by the Kriegler Commission was a clear distortion of Kenya’s history, partly because the Commission was working with a pre-determined outcome that was designed to ensure that the fragile Annan mediated peace that was in place did not collapse so that agents of capitalism exploiting the country’s resources could continue doing so without interruption.
Mr. Osewe said that the consequences of the Kriegler Commission coming up with a conclusion that Raila had won the vote were too serious because such a conclusion could have meant that Kibaki was in power illegally. He said that the Orange Democratic Movement accepted the Kriegler Report with little reservations because the Party was not yet ready to face a new election before reforms within the Electoral Commission were completed and before a new Constitution was also put in place.
According to Mr. Osewe, the American government supported President Kibaki soon after election was rigged because the Bush Administration was uncomfortable with the Presidency of Raila Odinga due to reasons outlined in the book.
He said that for the United States, Raila was unacceptable as President of Kenya because he had signed a deal with Kenyan Muslims that once he seized power, Kenyan Muslims would never be taken to Guantanamo for torture. The writer said that the US government could not afford to allow a person who was opposed to US foreign policy in Kenya to take over the country’s leadership because Kenya was a playing ground of the United States and other Imperialist powers.
He said that the United States also fears a democratic Kenya because of the risk of serious ideological parties emerging to challenge capitalist policies which, he said, had failed the country. According to Mr. Osewe, the US government was not yet convinced that Raila had cut off his “Communist past” and that under the circumstances, the US government was more interested in working with the Devil it knew instead of opting for the Angel it didn’t know.
Asked by Mr. Milton Muigai, a Kenyan, whether opposition politics had died in Kenya and whether Raila Odinga had ceased to be the doyen of opposition politics, Mr. Osewe said that real political opposition has never existed in Kenya because although there are numerous political parties, all existing parties have been practicing politics from the point of view of capitalism.
He said that a real opposition should be able to oppose the deformed system of capitalism in Kenya and that what Kenyans have is a situation where opposition politics is centered on “opposition to individual politicians” and not opposition to political ideas.
Responding to another question from Arne Johansson, the Editor of Offensiv Weekly who wanted to know the possibility of the Kenyan left emerging to take up the ideological challenge to capitalism, Mr. Osewe said that there are rudimentary forces on the ground whose level of mobilization has been hampered by different factors.
Raila Odinga and Kenya Opposition Politics
He said that political consciousness within the working class has been lagging behind and that this weakness had braked the process of political mobilization of workers by different groups. He also said that the tendency of NGOs surfacing to try and fill the vacuum within the opposition in times of need has historically created illusions that an opposition existed even when it remains known that NGO’s cannot compete for power.
On the question of Raila Odinga’s status as an opposition politician, Mr. Osewe said that Raila has gone through “a process of bourgeoisification” over the years and that as a millionaire member of the Kenyan ruling class, his role if he were to be in the opposition, would be limited to seizing power by exploiting the existing ethnic alliances to maintain the capitalist status quo and not to question or change the system.
At the moment, Mr. Osewe said that Raila is not in a position to oppose the same government he is serving although he did not rule out the possibility of Raila resigning from his post at a later stage to precipitate an election if he believes that he has a chance of winning the Presidency.
Mr. Osewe also outlined the consequences of the rigged election as contained in his book and his perspective of the future of Kenyan politics following the rigged election. He said that the Coalition government will not be able to address the thorny issue of landlessness in Kenya although he said that the government will be able to deliver a new Constitution.
He however pointed out that a Constitution is a piece of paper that will not be able to put food on the table, create jobs for the youth or address the political and economic crisis facing the country.
Dr. Jared Odero congratulated Mr. Osewe for a work well done and said that after looking at the book, Mr. Osewe had provided the basic framework for future research especially in the field of elections and democracy in sub-Saharan Africa.
Other speakers who addressed the audience were Mrs Prisca Forsman of the Maendelo ya Wanawake, Mr. George Obol, a researcher from Uganda, Mrs Hellen Opwapo, the Chairlady of ODM-Scandinavia, Mr. Charles Otieno Owiyo, the Secretary of Africa Maisen, Mrs Sarah Wamaitha, member of the Outreach Ministries, Pastor Beatrice Kamau, Mrs Jane Atieno, Chairlady of Organization of Kenyan Women in Norway, Mr. Mark Gaya, Committee member of ODM-Scandinavia, Mrs Josephine Kirigo, Committee member of Voce of Women (VOW), Colonel Samson Mande from Uganda, Mrs Grace Nyambura, Mr. Joseph Munene, Committee member of Making a Difference (M.A.D), blogger Munala wa Munala, among others.
Others who were in attendance were Mr. Joseph Goga, Cameraman Keegan Kagwe, Lillian Mbova, Mr. Oti Goga, Mr. Ken Aroka, Mrs Caroline Odhiambo, Mrs Ann Wambui, Dr. Otieno Wariaro, Mrs Jane Chege, Mr. Rombo, Mr. Kip, DJ Jimmy nyakwar Oyundi, Mrs Nancy Osumba, Mr. Bamba from The Gambia, Mrs Anna Okoth among others. Those who attended the launch congratulated Mr. Osewe for having taken the initiative to write the book.
Responding to a question from Mr. Mark Gaya, Mr. Osewe said that plans were underway to launch the book in Kenya where, he said, is the home of his main target audience. Pastor Beatrice, Mrs Wamaitha and Mrs Kirigo concluded the event with a word of prayer.
After the book launch, Mr. Osewe signed autographs and later, members of the audience retreated to Sollentuna for an all night Party which was organized by the Network for African Unity in Sweden. Discussion about the book continued at the Party which was attended by over 200 people, majority of them Africans.
Mr. Martin Ngatia,
Chairman,
Raila Odinga Book Launch Committee,
Stockholm, SWEDEN.
About the Author
Osewe,
You’ve done exemplary work by writing the book and I sincerely wish you Good Luck as you spread the message.
KSB: Thanks. The big job is just beginning.
Ndugu Osewe: Hongera kwa kuchapisha kitabu cha maana sana katika enzi hii ya mateso kiuchumi nchini Kenya. Nafuatilia vitukio na habari mtandaoni, na nimefurahi kwa kusoma ripoti kwamba kila kitu kilienda salama katika sherehe jumamosi iliopita.
Zidi kuonyesha ushupavu wako katika mapambano ya kisiasa kuhusu Kenya kwa kuandika ukweli wa mambo. Vita viendelee hadi tujikomboe kutoka vinywani mwa hao viongozi wezi!
KSB: Asante sana. Lazima tujiunge kwa sabau kazi ya kukomboa inchi ni kazi ya kila mwananchi.
Congrats Bw.osewe.lam really looking 4ward to getting mine and reading it.You told me something some weeks back THAT,KENYANS WE DO HAVE POTENTIAL!and thats so true.Its about going for the goals coz any goal is obtainable.l will kepp in touch to get mine…..all the best….
KSB: Thanks. Sky is the limit. Let us try to tap into our potential and help build our country even though we are miles away.
I have just returned from Kenya after a long holiday and I can report that things are really bad in our country. There is a lot of poverty and, as usual, when I arrived, I was immediately being viewd as some kind of world Bank or IMF. I did what I could but the bottom line is that our government is a total failure. People are starving to death while poverty is driving people (especially the youth) to crime.
There is no medicine in hospitals and the Chemists and private Doctors are doing booming business. Chemists are mainly controlled by waindi and I can report that our country is going to the dogs unless something drastic happens.
Apparently, people had a lot of respect for me just because I live abroad. I had nothing to offer (apart from some few chums here and there) but still, people believed that I could somehow save them from poverty and suffering.
I was very saddened that well educated youths have no jobs. They are so idle that some friends could afford to take their time to walk around with me in town because in so doing, they were benefitting. They were eating properly and having fun on my pocket and somehow, I could understand the arrangement because I also needed them to get around. I wa not playing big but you know, I had to show that I have been to Sweden. The little I saved for the trip was well used.
My message to Kenyans in Sweden is this: You are very privileged. How can we use our positions here to make a difference at home. I was so pissed off when every time I got online and had a peep at KSB, Kenyans in Stockholm were pouring filth at one another. There was nothing constructive.
The only positive thing I can mention and which I experienced at home is the attention home people give to what is happening in Diaspora. In Stockholm, KSB is the place to check and so, let us not liter this place with filth.
By the way, Osewe’s book is the talk of town and it appears that Osewe may be headed for big stuff. I left my signed copy behind and now, I have to buy a new one. I don’t know about Osewe’s plans but if he can get that book in Kenya, its gonna be a big deal.
I have read the book and I agree with Dr. Jared that the book is a major contribution by our Osewe. It is a major challenge and source of pride for Kenyans in Stockholm. That someone from our midst could accomplish such a feat should be a good reason for celebration.
I missed the launch but I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Osewe for a work well done. I enjoyed the pleasure when my contacts realized that I know the author who had signed the book. Let us put personal differences behind us and begin to play big because WE CAN!!! change our country!!!
What Osewe has written is now being discussed openly. The American sponsored exit polls by the International Republican Institute had indicated a win by Odinga during the bungled 2007 Presidential election. However, they refused to release this in time, partly leading to the post-election violence. The world must know the truth about Kibaki’s lies.
When Kibaki claimed victory on Dec. 30, 2007, the State Department quickly congratulated him and called on Kenyans to accept the outcome, even though observers had reported instances of serious fraud. U.S. officials backed away from their endorsement the next day and ultimately pushed the deal that made Odinga prime minister.
After insisting for months that the poll was flawed, the institute released it in August – long past the point of diplomatic impact – after outside experts whom it had hired determined that it was valid. It showed Kibaki losing by about six percentage points.
Odinga was viewed skeptically by some in Washington because of his flamboyant manner and his background: He was educated in East Germany and named his son after Fidel Castro.
In February, with Kibaki resisting calls to share power, the leaders of two Kenyan human rights groups wrote an opinion article for The Times, saying the refusal to release the poll had “fueled mistrust.” After the poll was mentioned during a Senate hearing, the institute stepped up its public criticism of the poll, saying it “does not have confidence in the integrity of the data and therefore believes the poll is invalid.”
For Odinga, bitterness lingers. He declined to sign a letter the institute drafted that amounted to an endorsement of its conduct. He wrote instead that while he appreciated the institute’s past work, “the 2007 experience has cast some doubts among ordinary Kenyans.”
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/30/africa/kenya.4-419736.php
KSB: As you might have noticed, a whole chapter in the book is dedicated to exploring why American imperialism decided to support Kibaki after election rigging. You are one commentator who has shown objectivity here. Keep it up!
Thura, you have now proved to yourself that are an authority. You can use the power of the pen to inform, educate, direct, sculpture, entertain name it! You could also manipulate your pen to degrade, dehumanise, or diminish people you have it all!
I am proud of Kenyans who sacrifice their energies for worthwile achievements. And please, do not stop there, I am sure your second book is on the way and will also be such a read. You see you are not to be told you have potential. You have already done it, so just carry on so that our youngstars can emulate you constructively.
We need real role models here. You have encouraged yourself I just hope you hit the roof brotherman!!
CONGRATS A MAJOR ONE!!!!!!!
KSB: Nice words Jackie and thanks. Kenya is our country and changes come through generations. It is time our generation took up its historical responsibility. I hope that my work will inspire Kenyans to get even more serious with the agenda of liberating our country.
Osewe you have shown Kenyans that YOU CAN!! Hongera Osewe. Congrants ndugu.
KSB: Asante Mzee. We keep up the spirit.
Bwana Osewe!
Congratulation for walking the talk “YES WE CAN” you are an inspiration to many keep it up.
Hope the leaders at home will read your book and try to make the difference coz together we stand and divided we fall.
KSB: Thanks Margaret. We no longer have to believe that change will come. We are the change we are waiting for!
Osewe has done a great job by documenting and analyzing the failed 2007 presidential election in Kenya. I like his position and book title that perceives Kibaki as a thief who stole Raila’s victory. It’s important to have a position in weighty issues such as this.
There have been numerous articles on the matter but Osewe has written the first book. This means that future writings will refer to his work, making it the “bible” of the subject.
Thumbs up to Osewe!
KSB: Thanks. I hope that my work will inspire other Kenyans esp the “Uhuru generation” where I belong. We need to stop payukaring and contribute to the struggle in our country. We all have potential and the question is whether you know where you are standing in the struggle as Bob Marley says in his song “So much things to say”.
WELL DONE OSEWE.Your contribution will not be invain,you have opened my eyes.God bless you.
KSB: Thanks and welcome. Let us unite to address the crisis eating our country.
I have just gone thru the ”fat cats who kidnapped Kibaki’s Presidency” and now, I understand the real Osewe. Thanks for this book. I agree with others who have said that the book it is well written. It answers 98% of my questions about election rigging, from the background to the actual stealing. You are a writer bwana Osewe and please, continue and give us even more. Kenya needs people like you. The insight you give on Kenyan politics is rare among Kenyan writers. I notice that you never left your ideology behind especially in the analysis.
KSB: Thanks. The book is a kinda kionjo of things to come.
Standard on Sunday: You cast the image of the Kibaki regime as incurably corrupt at the top but he still won a second term. How do you feel about his return and do you see any difference between his first term and the first year of his second term?
John Githongo:I don’t think the second term was won. The 2007 election was stolen in broad daylight. I acknowledge from the evidence that has emerged that there were electoral malpractices on both sides but ultimately the presidential poll was illegitimate.
The Electoral Commission, the National Intelligence Security Service, provincial administration and a wide range of agencies and individuals have specific questions to answer about what happened. This current presidential term is therefore hobbled.
Coalitions are difficult to manage at the best of times but in our low trust environment, it is particularly challenging. We are thus in a situation of policy paralysis with a lot of plans being articulated but not much being done to implement them.
There is not much happening in terms of reform. There are those in fact who argue that corruption is the glue holding together the coalition since it is clear its not any reform programme, ideological platform or shared values; that the kind of free-for-all ‘graft’ that is being reported about is, what keeps everyone at the feeding trough. That, this is honey badger season and all the badgers have their snouts in the honey…
http://www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1144006120&cid=4&ttl=Githongo:%20Kibaki%20lacks%20the%20will%20and%20Raila’s%20hands%20tied%20behind%20his%20back
John, thanks for this link. I have been going through Osewe’s book and I have to accept that he has captured this theft in a way that I never imagined. The book raises very thorny issues about politicians in Kenya and the relationship between Kenya and “Imperialist powers”. I can report that this book is not just about a stolen presidency. It touches on things which, I think, will surprise some Kenyans. Pongezi bwana Osewe and keep up the spirit.
KSB: Thanks Omunene. The main issues have to be understood if we are to liberate our country. We have both internal and external enemies of the Nation.
But even the world’s leaders will be bowing and scraping to get Obama’s favour. He doesn’t even have to oblige a sitting president stopping down in Chicago to offer respect (and hoped-for approval).
African leaders are trembling at the thought of his “advice” to clean up their act. What would a phone call by Barack Obama to a few southern African leaders do to the negotiations in Zimbabwe? My guess: Robert Mugabe isn’t sleeping well.
And how about the Kikuyu president of Kenya who stole the election from, yes, a Luo no less, a few years ago? The Luo is now prime minister — and a half-Luo, Obama, is president of the United States. That Kikuyu isn’t stealing anything next time.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Columns/2466706/Article/index_html
A brilliant student at the London School of Economics, Kibaki entered Kenya’s first post-independence government in 1963.
Six years later he stood in Nairobi’s Bahati constituency against Jael Mbogo, the popular head of Kenya’s biggest women’s association. He won by a wafer-thin margin in remarkably similar circumstances to December’s 2007 election; behind in the early tallying, the verdict was delayed for days and a crack squad of police officers (GSU) swarmed around the vote-counting centre when the result was announced.
“I was so far ahead in early vote counting that even the BBC even reported that a young woman had felled a government minister,” Mbogo, now a civil society activist in Nairobi, told The Observer.
“Kibaki stalled the result, and then robbed me of victory. Because he looks so holy, people are still asking if he really was capable of stealing this election. What I say is “Of course, he has done it before”.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/03/kenya.xanrice
Gentlemen,
Where is the debate? we need to start thinking about 2012 before Kalonzo takes the sportlight. Sure, he was never my man.