HEADLINES

I Swore In Raila, Gave Him Power Which He Deserved But He Ran Away From It - Lawyer Miguna Says

Canadian-based lawyer Miguna Miguna has revisited the dramatic 2018 swearing-in of Raila Odinga, saying the opposition leader betrayed the trust of Kenyans who expected him to fight for their victory.

Miguna, who led the symbolic oath-taking ceremony at Uhuru Park after the disputed 2017 election, claimed Raila abandoned the responsibility he was given by the people.

According to him, Raila had the mandate to lead but chose to recognize former President Uhuru Kenyatta instead.

“I swore in Raila Odinga. I gave him power which he deserved because he won the election. But the man ran away from it and bowed to an illegitimate ruler. That is Africa’s biggest tragedy,” Miguna said. 

His decision to preside over the swearing-in came at a heavy price. Soon after, he was arrested and deported to Canada, where he lived in exile for more than four years.

During that time, his attempts to return to Kenya were repeatedly blocked. It was only after the 2022 elections and change of government that he finally made his way back home.

Miguna argues that history would have been different had Raila stood firm. In his view, the opposition leader’s refusal to surrender could have secured lasting democracy and ended electoral disputes once and for all.

“Had Raila resisted, Kenya would today be enjoying complete democracy. Elections would never again be questioned. But because he chose the easy path, he continues to suffer the same frustrations. Let him cry very loudly,” he added.

The lawyer’s fallout with Raila deepened after the unexpected 2018 handshake between Raila and Uhuru. To Miguna, that moment symbolized betrayal of millions of Kenyans who had believed in the opposition struggle.

He has consistently accused the ODM leader of prioritizing his personal interests at the expense of his supporters.




Post a Comment

0 Comments