Sincerely to Hon Odinga

Friends of Rail

The cat has been let out of the bag: ODMK cannot have Hon Odinga as its presidential candidate because he is "unelectable;" the reason he is "unelectable" is because he is a "Luo," so argues the punditry. But the real reason they fear him is that like, his grandparents, he fights his battles in broad daylight, and the most difficult politician to corrupt.

But let us stick to the popular line that he is unelectable because he is a Luo. Now, that is insulting not only to Hon Odinga, but also to all Luos, myself included. How can Hon. Odinga know whether or not he is unelectable? He can only know by running. Now, 2007 is not 1997 when Agwambo last offered his candidacy for President. But even if he fails, that is politics with respect; like a football game in which a trophy is at stake, a winner must be established, and losers must wait to fight another day.

What Hon Odinga needs is respect, and what we, his supporters need, is respect. He must run this election cycle because a man cannot be a nominator into perpetuity.

Personally, I am not happy with how Hon. Odinga was treated at the Elders Council. Hon. Odinga does not deserve this kind of abuse.

Raila should kick off his 2007 presidential campaigns, immediately, and in whatever party. This is urgent. He won't be the spoiler. He will be a respected candidate. Who knows how many of the tribal chiefs will follow him?

Joseph R. Alila.

P/S: Fellow Kenyans mourn with me over the perils and uncertainty of multiparty, multiethnic Democracy in Kenya, particularly in the experience of the Ramogi people of Kenya. Read my (Joseph R. Alila) book "The Wise One of Ramogiland" (ISBN: (978-1-2554-3 Lulu (_www.lulu.com_ ( http://www.lulu.com ) )