Raila must shun Ruto or pay the political price

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka shouldn’t count on the Akamba to back him the way they did in 2007.

Even Kamba chauvinists know in their heart of hearts that it will be difficult for him to marshal full support.

This means that the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, and Kamba votes will be up for grabs.

You can take this to the bank – we shall start to see the de-ethnicisation of Kenyan politics in the coming elections.

That’s why Mr Odinga should stop “thinking tribe” and cozying up to Mr Ruto. He must define himself as the “issues candidate” – detribalised, reformist, and pro-youth.

First, Mr Odinga must shun Mr Ruto because the courtship is a genius political plot to destroy him.

It’s simply a masterstroke. Of the so-called Moi orphans, none is more notorious or infamous than Mr Ruto.

His past at the height of Kanu’s repressive regime speaks for itself. He led the opposition to the new Constitution.

But nothing soils him more than the charges for crimes against humanity at The Hague.

Is that the kind of comrade-in-arms Mr Odinga wants? The alliance would shatter Mr Odinga’s credibility at home and abroad.

How he embraces such a politician and calls himself a reformer is beyond me. One thing’s for sure – Mr Ruto would not miss a second chance to bury Mr Odinga.

Siamese twin

Second, hypocrisy and opportunism would define Mr Odinga if Mr Ruto was to become his Siamese twin.

How could Mr Odinga look Kenyans in the eye – and the country’s friends abroad – and call himself an incorruptible leader? Who, pray, would believe him?

Remember this truth – you govern with those who helped you win. With Mr Ruto at Mr Odinga’s side, we can expect impunity to reign in the next government.

The new Constitution would be treated like trash – a meaningless piece of paper.

I will guarantee something else – all true reformers and bona fide civil society leaders would desert Mr Odinga in droves.

Imagine what he’ll do once in power if he betrays you before the election.