We must not forget why we in the political
opposition decided to hold our Madaraka Day
celebrations.
It is because in the last state celebrations, we
often became objects of derision by President
Uhuru and his guests, key among whom was
Uganda's Yoweri Museveni.
We endured being insulted in our own country, on
a day we proclaim the very heroism of our
citizens, past and present.
Our expectation had been that we resolve our
internal political issues in other forums and
reserve national holidays for unity and
commemoration of who we are and what we have
achieved as a commonwealth.
Yet these were not always the case.
The point we are making today is that whenever
a president thinks we are not part of his
countrymen, we have the right to assemble
somewhere else and stake the very citizenship
that guarantees our being here.
Now, we know why jubilee has been peddling the
invitation they extended to the opposition. It is
because they no longer attract their usual friends.
It is because Museveni is no longer available and
Kenya is no longer a force to reckon with in East
Africa. So they are inviting us to go fill the seats
and help them save face.
There was a particular Madaraka Day Raila
Odinga attended as a citizen and sat on the
terraces. He wasn't invited. I think it was at
Nyayo Stadium. What did Uhuru men do? They
started playing a propaganda Kibera slum
documentary. It was the height of Anne
Waiguru's arrogance before we fell her.
Then they unleashed Museveni to shit-talk. We
endured these things. However, though we
forgave, it would have been idiotic on our part to
forget.
As good students; we learnt our lesson, which
was; that Jubilee is not interested in the national
project.
Today at Uhuru Park, we will celebrate another
triumph of freedom from Jubilee.
Until they recognize that Kenya is bigger than
Jubilee and that a state function is markedly
different from a jubilee rally, we in CORD will keep
our distance, and do our things, our way.
Anyone with a contrary opinion can take the next
Matatu to Afraha. Donge?
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