Political analysts have questioned a suggestion by former minister of the Presbyterian Church of Kenya Reverend Timothy Njoya on the solution to the rivalry between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
According to the veteran theologian, former President Uhuru Kenyatta was best placed to intervene and mediate between the government and the opposition.
He explained that Uhuru suits the position because he is the facilitator of the EAC and led the restoration of peace and stability in Eastern DRC and reconciled places like Somalia.
Njoya compared the current political state in the country to a football match between Kenya kwanza and Azimio which he indicated was a match without a referee and therefore had no enforcement of rules.
However, speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, veteran political analysts Barrack Muluka and Mark Bichache disagreed with Njoya on the involvement of the former head of state in the current rivalry between Ruto and Raila.
While Muluka agreed with Njoya on the importance of Uhuru in fostering peace across the country, he argued that the former president would be demeaning himself if he continued to actively involve himself in politics.
“Individuals with such a hierarchy like the former president are respected and honored people and it’s a common sense affair to contribute to creating peace in the country not dividing these parties and every other part of the world,” Muluka argued.
Muluka argued that he does not agree with Njoya’s opinion of sending church representatives to Mama Ngina Kenyatta’s home to convince Uhuru`s mother to advise his son to take part and become a mediator between these two teams.
He describes the situation as Underating Mama Ngina and pointing out to her as if she has been the one inciting her son into politics. He says Uhuru is a grown-up and can make his own decisions.
However, should Uhuru agree to become a mediator between President Ruto and Raila, Muluka indicated that it would be a good thing for the country.
“However, the process depends on whether the former president is willing to be part of it or not,” the veteran political commentator indicated.
Bichache on the other hand argued that there is no fight between the Government and Azimio party because every individual has the right to join any preferred party.
“Being in different political parties is a normal thing in politics and there is no need for mediators,” Bichache stated.
He also argued that individuals being in different parties does not mean that there is a need of facilitating discussions between the two teams.
“It is not easy for Uhuru to mediate between the government and the opposition because the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua said whoever was not a UDA member will not be given an opportunity in the government,” Bichache recalled.
He concluded that in order for a handshake to occur it needs both parties the government and the Opposition to be ready and willing to have a handshake.
However, Bichache contended that neither of the parties was willing and therefore it is hard for Uhuru to act as a mediator.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE