Written By Henry Kimoli | |
It was a,question of when, not if Kivutha Kibwana would back Raila Odinga.
To the faint hearted, Kivutha is a radical, a smart hard core trench man who has supported Democratic overthrow of regimes.
But you will never see him. He used his position as a former Don to recruit student leaders at the University of Nairobi into radicalism.
He has supported Raila Odinga for a long time. In 2002, he supported Kibaki. But was left out of Cabinet until Kiraitu Murungi appointed him an assistant Minister.
When Kalonzo and Raila were sacked in 2005 for refusing to back the Banana Constitutional bargain, Kivutha was promoted to lands Minister.
Kivutha has never had time for Kalonzo. But he supported Charity Ngilu’s botched Presidential bid in 1997.
The only time Kivutha pretended to support Kalonzo and his Wiper was in 2017. For the selfish reason of winning a second term as a Governor.
Raila fits the bill of the political ideology Kivutha identifies with.
He is a believer in socialism and has little affinity for wealth.
For a long time, he lived in Ngong with ordinary folks.
He is a revered scholar.
But Kibwana is the political and legal brain that helped Kibaki navigate the treacherous Ocampo six crisis that wanted Francis Muthaura, Hussein Ali, President Kenyatta, Deputy President Ruto, Henry Kosgey and broadcaster Joshua Sang indicted.
One thing is not in doubt. Kibwana is one of the most intelligent legal minds in Kenya.
Not by fluke. He was an A student from his days at Machakos Boys and has remained as such.
Little is known about his actual place of birth, but he is said to have been born in Taveta.
He feigns respect for Kalonzo, but has scanty, if any respect for his political manners.
His detractors think that he is the brains behind the unity of the three Ukambani Governors.
He will have no regrets because he has no time for hypocrisy.
Polite radical Kivutha Kibwana has found a new home.
