Does Raila Odinga Have A great Kenyan Dream? Will He become A great Prime Minister ever?

I thank God that now Kenyan at least they are breathing to the heart beats of peace but...
These are questions which must be top-of-the-mind for anyone who is even slightly politically conscious or committed. For merit or otherwise, the leadership of the largest serving party of independent Kenya is being thrust upon this man. The big question is – will he be able to deliver ever? For, given the way the Kenyan political scenario is taking shape – with regional or tribal parties replacing national parties at the national level – if Raila Odinga fails to deliver, it might take the country a few decades more to re-group and regain its position in political arena. In the framework of this context, it was indeed heartening to read Raila's latest views on reviving the Kenya’s politics by assuming this big post as the country’s first Prime minister. For the first time, someone could openly say that the Kenya’s political parties lacks inner party democracy and that the high-command system must give way – issues all party members and its alliance supporters and detractors have always been critical about. Probably thanks to his status of him being the son of the dynasty, Raila could say what everyone has always felt, but never dared to say. But that shouldn't take away anything from the credit he deserves.

Let me, however, first begin on a critical note about the problem with Kenya’s leadership over the years. One would remember how, during 2002 general election.The Moi’s regime was brought down with this two leaders (Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki) with rainbow alliance and they managed to win against KANU.In 2007 general election,Raila made sure that he had to split Kibaki in terms of BANANAS and ORANGES in order for him to win election,by formimg ODM and Kibaki managed to form PNU later. Neither the two managed to win the 27th dec,2007 election but Kibaki was sworn in as the president. The issue which made the Kenyan citizens to carry stones, bows and arrows to streets and start killing each other,that Raila’s votes where being “stolen”. Something which lead to more than 100,000 death and as many as 500,000 homeless. Was this not enough to be called the tribal war or even better crisis?

So as the prime minister he will respect the Kenyan constitution and serve the all Kenyans. Now the big question is will he be able to deliver ?? This is a million dollar question which remain to be answered by him as reader...– "though some may say that like father like son" -though extremely able – took over the mantle, the seeds of dynastic rule got sown from his father... Though it's a well researched and proven argument that children who grow up in close families seeing dynamic and visionary leadership within the family, often have the edge when it comes to doing the same job, it's still hard to believe that in 36year, the state couldn't find a leader in more democratic manner, outside one family. Despite of him being my personal favorite Kenyan politician – the leadership quality dropped. Nonetheless, the cleanliness and honesty written all over his face, his personal charisma and very polished communication power when I compare him with the rest…, but not as good as the later Robert Ouko or Tom Mboya even better Arap Moi.If he is believing that he will deliver the ‘Great Kenyan political leaders dream’ then I am sorry… with the looks of his face and history say it all. “You don’t become a leader because your feel like becoming one”. Coupled with the circumstances which brought the willing engineer to power, made people yet again overlook the fact that the stability of Kenya as democratic nation in Africa was clearly becoming undemocratic and dynastic.

However, leadership is about much more than just making heartfelt honest comments to a few media persons. And I sincerely hope Raila doesn't stop at this. He must look at this as the first run scored as the opener in a Test match. He has a long way to go before he scores a century, looks at bigger records and eventually wins the match for his team. He must be open to learning.

He will know the definition of what is a world-class and cultured style of communication. If he can imbibe that and say the same things effectively to millions, he would score his first half century. Unfortunately, in Kenya, a half century (and often much lesser) is good enough to get the Prime Minister's seat as well! If Raila want to score a century and more and secure a great future for himself, for the Kenyan and his party, there are some great books on leadership that he might well learn from. It will be a shame if a man with honest intentions, upon whom such a great opportunity is being thrust, fails to deliver....

I would personally love to share many more ideas about great leadership through these site... but only if I am sure that he is really serious about making the Great Kenyan Dream a reality! The question is, does he really have a Great Kenyan Dream? Or is it that like most others, even his is only a myopic vision of fulfilling his own short run dreams? Time will tell...

Thanks