Opinion by Julius Katana
It was not expected to happen as the noise was too much in the air. Who would have imagined Feisal Abdallah the new Mp for Msambeni would drown the ODM legion of Mombasa Governor, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and the entire party. They say wonders shall not cease but facts or not fiction, ODM is quickly ceasing to be if the outcome of the Msambweni by-election is anything to go by.
Led by the Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, the battalion of ODM has lost one of the key by-election in the country. This seat was not a gamble it was ODM’s seat to reclaim and cement their supremacy in the coastal region, a region that has been invaded by the Tanga Tanga Movement.
How will Governor Ali Joho explain his influence on the region he has bragged to control and call shots? Governor Salim Mvurya has cemented his grip on the Kwale County which many political pundits will now call him the Pwani King-pin. Hon. Raila Odinga had said that ODM will not lose the Msambweni seat because even the central government is supporting the ODM candidate. That has not happened as the people of Kwale and Msambweni constituency have defiled the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
By losing the Msambweni seat, it is a tip of the ice-berg on what to expect as the country moves into 2021 and prepares for a referendum. ODM will blame themselves for lacking tactics and strategies for Msambweni by-election. Political pundits will also question the legitimacy of the Kibera by-election that was marred by untold suffering. Many people believe ODM did not win in Kibra- Hon. Imran was forced in and the same scenario has failed to repeat itself in Msamwebeni.
Which way for the Handshake and BBI?
The former Prime minister had stated that Msambweni by-election was a precursor to the much anticipated referendum. He had said the results for Msambweni election will point into the future of the country as far as BBI is concerned. Now that he has lost in Msambweni, does it mean people should prepare for a No vote on referendum? How about Matungu by election, Kabuchai by election and Machakos County? Will ODM field candidates, and will this be the trend?
