By Henry Kimoli
Make no mistake here. GEMA, read Central Kenya populace want to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta. The reason? Politics is a game of numbers. And voting resolve. GEMA has an over supply of both. The high profile meeting of the Central Kenya leaders, here in defined as the Kikuyu leaders forum, was planned long time ago. The timing and venue was the only news.
First things first. Jomo Kenyatta, the pioneer President was not a GEMA candidate. He was the choice of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga because he imagined the old man will die of old age and bequeath him the seat. Mwai Kibaki in 2002 was not propelled by GEMA. He was a reaction to the hatred and spite Kenyans had for President Daniel Arap Moi.
In 2007, Kibaki was the deep state candidate. Fast forward to 2013 Uhuruto time to rule Kenya. GEMA and KAMATUSA ganged up and voted to the last man to deny Raila Odinga keys to State House. Prior to this, the GEMA Community had sold political air to Kalonzo Musyoka.
They convinced him that after 10 years, the country was not ready for another Kikuyu President. To win the support of the “grassroots” Kalonzo was cajoled to expedite shuttle diplomacy in support of Uhuru and Ruto Hague troubles. Under the cover of darkness, and away from noisy bars and hotels, GEMA met to plan how Uhuru was going to succeed Kibaki. And they succeeded.
The wise Kikuyu men pushing the Uhuru agenda pretended to blank Kibaki. But the gaffer had a copy of what was discussed but played deaf to Kalonzo. He even feigned support Musalia Mudavadi, through his trusted aid Nick Wanjohi. Back to the Central Kenya meeting. Dr. Karanja Kibicho is not your idea of a foolish man.
He is an engineer by profession and training. He neutralized the then powerful Francis Kimemia and kicked him out of Government. He happened to have attended the much publicized meeting to plan the Uhuru succession. Kibicho will have a big say in the Uhuru succession. Why the timing. The GEMA mafioso are now idle after neutralizing DP William Ruto.
They had to conjure up a project to keep their political adrenaline high. With the ever looming reshuffle, these GEMA men and a woman have to maintain the ear of President Kenyatta. There is no better outlet than to place considerable pressure so that they can be invited to slowdown. Its easy to guess what transpired. The possible rhetorical question is easily discernable. How do you let political power slip away from your grip without a fight? What is in the political plate for the majority votes GEMA controls?
And so the owners of GEMA decided to demand the top seat. Or the envisaged prime ministers seat.
GEMA haters will view this as greed. But it’s politics. Stupid. In each of the 47 counties, tyranny of numbers reigns supreme.
Governors are elected based on clan or geographical consideration.
In Embu, the Mbeeres continue to salivate. Because the latter are more. In Kitui, Mwingi waits. In Narok, Trasmara has no stakes. In the City, a Governor must either be Kamba, GEMA or Luo. In Busia, the Iteso, the minority have to sign an MOU with the majority Luhias. So are the Abasuba in Migori County. So if nepotism works at the County level, it will fly nationally.
Before tribslism came calling, we had Richard Leakey as Langata MP. Not anymore. Prepare for a GEMA President of Prime Minister.
