Who won, and who lost, after the poll

It’s only three days after the referendum and I am already sick and tired of all the political correctness. I don’t think it’s credible to say – uncritically – that there were no winners and losers on August 4 because “Kenya won”. 

Good people, let’s be serious. Some people won big, and others lost just as big. The referendum pitted two diametrically opposed visions of Kenya against each other.

The ‘Reds’ fought to retain the past, a culture of impunity and dictatorship. The ‘Greens’ sought to establish the Second Republic, a future of hope and accountability. Biggest winners are Kibaki and Raila

The future vanquished the past. Kenya will never be the same again. Who won, and who lost?

You know Kenya won already. So, that’s not why you are reading my column. What you want is some “scoop”.

The biggest winners are President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. But Mr Odinga is even a bigger winner.

For Mr Kibaki, the new constitution is about his legacy. He is now officially the Father of the Second Republic. We have no choice but to forgive his trespasses and transgressions.

There is more. I believe that President Kibaki has said “Raila Tosha” in his heart. He knows that Mr Odinga has the mettle to safeguard his legacy and build the Second Republic.

That’s why he has become bosom buddies with Mr Odinga. Mr Kibaki wants to clean up the mess of the 2007 elections.

The post-election atrocities weigh heavily on his mind. What a better way for him, a Kikuyu, to hand the baton over to Mr Odinga, a Luo, and bury this “family feud” forever?

Mr Odinga seems to be Mr Kibaki’s heir apparent. Mr Odinga’s opponents should think about this.

The new constitution is the most significant event in Kenya since 1964. Why would Mr Kibaki make Mr Odinga his key partner on the Constitution if he didn’t want to anoint him? It’s simple math – add two and two.

I believe that Mr Kibaki’s intentions will become manifest soon.

Higher Education minister William Ruto is also a winner – sort of. Mr Ruto, a gutsy political operative and ideological scion of former President Daniel arap Moi, acquitted himself admirably.

True, he ran the ‘No’ campaign based on bald-faced misrepresentations and fear-mongering, but he emerged as a leader of men. He singlehandedly steered the ‘Reds’ and gave a lot of oomph to the opposing forces.

Musyoka’s plan backfired

The Christian clergy would have been at sea without his eloquent, charismatic, and unbending leadership. Give the devil his due. Mr Ruto emerged as his own man, able to stand up against Mr Odinga and President Kibaki.

There is no doubt he is the unquestioned Kalenjin kingpin. He whipped them into line.