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How Raila Odinga protest-syndrome pervaded Africa

 Ever heard about the history of multiparty democracy and how several African countries succumbed to pressure that thrashed one-party dictatorship.

Multiparty politics was majorly influenced by countries with established democracies such as the West led by Britain and America.

Raila Amollo Odinga is one of the most powerful politicians in Kenya. He is revered both locally and abroad.

He enjoys a wider political network, superseding those of his political detractors, with an edge.

The doyen of opposition politics staged a series of street protests rejecting to recognize the legitimacy of William Ruto as Kenya's validly elected president.

How Raila's impact resonates with other African countries

In 2007, Raila Odinga protested the outcome of the presidential election which placed Mwai Kibaki ahead of him.

The spontaneous election violence that ensued the 2007 General Elections in Kenya remains one of the darkest moment in Kenya's history.

Incidences of almost a similar nature occured in Uganda and Tanzania.

In Uganda, Kiza Bessigye was roughed up and his supporters braved armed police officers and engaged each other in running battles. 

In Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai's victory was allegedly stolen by the then president Robert Mugabe.

Just like Raila, he was deployed as the Prime Minister under a national Accord.

Recent scenario of protests against electoral outcomes and high cost of living has been witnessed in Tunisia, South Africa and Nigeria.

South Africans are protesting against the failure of the government to cushion them against the increased cost of living.

In South Africa, firebrand left-wing leaning Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has threatened the Cyril Ramaphosa led government to act or quit.

Coincidentally, both Raila and Malema plan to hold mass protests on Monday 20th March.

In Nigeria opposition groups continue protesting the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria's president.

What Raila Odinga prophesied at Migori

Raila Odinga seems to be staging the last protest, should we go by the words he said at Migori.

In an electrifying and mob-charged rally, the ODM leader said he was ready to pay the ultimate prize.

In a Speech dubbed, Date with Destiny 20th.

 "My home people (Jodhurua), today is my last day to be with you in Nyanza. From now, I'm like the proverbial Luo girl Wagunda who was thrown to crocodiles to save her people from revaging famine… I am going to the crocodiles to save my people as well. Either I will come back alive or will be eaten by the crocodiles. But i assure you I will go. So save your date with destiny on 20th," roared Raila amidst cheers of a charged mammoth crowd.

Raila's Date with Destiny

20th March 2023, christened Raila date with destiny define his ultimate quest to cushion Kenyans against the increased cost of living.

At the same time, Raila seeks to advance his political agenda of seeking to push for the overhaul in the mode of choosing electoral officials.

Mr Odinga is opposed to the current method that gives his political nemesis William Ruto an upperhand in influencing the choice of electoral officials.

How Raila plans to overthrow Ruto

Raila Amollo Odinga failed to clinch presidency for the fifth time.

This time round Raila is determined to force his way to State House through a revolution.

The Hustler narrative no longer holds water as people continue suffering the burden of the increased cost of living.

Odinga has mastered every trick of shoving himself to fame. Even after suffering electoral defeat in last presidential elections, he was quick to rise and appear more energetic than in 2017. 

Raila's date with destiny is looming. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the success of the protest will be pegged to the highly anticipated extrajudicial killings. 

President William Ruto stares a major challenge. Will Raila succeed to dethrone the current President of Kenya?

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