By Anderson Ojwang
The Kenya’s political landscape especially between the founding father of the nation, the late Jomo Kenyatta and his deputy the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga can be equated to the biblical prodigal son after independence.
In the biblical, Prodigal Son, specifically found in Luke 15:11-32, tells the story of a son who demanded his inheritance early, leaves home, squanders his wealth, and eventually returns home seeking forgiveness and a job as a servant.
His father, however, welcomes him back with open arms, celebrating his return with a feast. The story highlights themes of forgiveness, repentance, and God’s unconditional love.
The Older Son’s Anger:
The older son, who has remained faithful, is angry and upset that his brother is celebrated, especially since he never received such a celebration.
The Father’s Explanation:
The father explains that it is right to celebrate because the younger son was lost and is now found. He also reminds the older son that everything he has is also his.
Looking at the fall out between Kenyatta and Odinga that finally confined the Luo community into the opposition and became the face of activism, demonstration and rebellion.
For over the last six decades, Nyanza became an opposition zone and various attempts to be re-integrated into the government and to become part of the system failed miserably.
But with the formation of the broad based government, in the history of the community, they hold two positions that have been elusive from independence.
That is the cabinet secretary of treasury and economic planning presently held by john Mbadi and the Attorney General held by Dorcas Oduor. These are the heart of the government and the appointments brought disquiet from the mountain and actual rebellion
President William Ruto then deputy, Rigathi Gachugua and a section of leaders from the region felt betrayed by the inclusion and appointment of ODM experts into the cabinet and various government positions.
For Gachagua, the government was controlled through share holdings and those who did not vote for the Kenya Kwanza government were expected to wait for the droplets.’
After his impeachment Gachagua took his battle to Mt Kenya where he has been engaging the locals to support his political agenda and has formed a political party DCP, which he says is the party for the mountain .
He then said “ We are planning, within a short time, we will reclaim back our pride and dignity as a people.
It is true what you are saying the mountain is angry. It is not just angry it is very angry. Why the mountain is very angry, because it is betrayal.
We will plan as a community and within a short time we will reclaim back our pride and dignity as a people.”
But Raila after the formation of broad based government has declared his support for the union beyond 2027 general elections.
By returning Nyanza to the government and just like the prodigal son, the region is currently witnessing massive development projects.
President Ruto recently declared affirmative action for development for the region in order to be at par with other regions that have benefited from the government for the last six decades.
Ruto on Friday at the burial of Mama Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo acknowledged that Nyanza for decades have been marginalized in terms of development and economic growth.
President Ruto announced that for Nyanza to be at par with other regions that have benefitted from the government support, he declared an affirmative action for the region on development and economic growth.
“While in Homa Bay today, leaders here have asked that we focus on the development of the nation and we focus on the development of this county.
Let me commit that we have provided in this year’s budget enhanced resources for the development of thus county. I am aware that this county and this region requires affirmative action.
Because for a very long time this region has not benefited from the resources and development of our country as other regions have.“
