President William Ruto’s decision to bring opposition leader Raila Odinga on board appears to have deflated anti-government demonstrations and provided him with few minutes to breath.
The development became apparent on Thursday, when the much-hyped ‘NaneNaneMarch’ failed to live up to its billing despite weeks of relentless online and offline mobilisation.
Demonstrations failed to take off in practically all counties save Nairobi, which can be directly attributed to the two former political adversaries’ newfound friendship. Raila’s political strongholds of Nyanza, Coast, and Western remained uncharacteristically quiet.
According to political observers, Raila’s deal with Ruto has calmed the opposition leader’s strongholds and swayed his supporters away from the streets.
Political analyst and commentator Javas Bigambo said this has been strengthened by the strategic Cabinet appointed from Raila’s key ODM allies and regions.
“The political dynamics inflated by the political deal between Raila and Ruto practically and tactfully robbed the demos of the critical mass from the stronghold of these two leaders,” political commentator Javas Bigambo said.
He noted that exhaustion among real protestors , political infiltration, and dread and anxiety marred Thursday’s much-hyped demonstrations.
By Newscreator