We must not forget why we in the political opposition decided to hold our Madaraka Day celebrations.
It is because in the last state celebrations, we often became objects of derision by President Uhuru and his guests, key among whom was Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.
We endured being insulted in our own country, on a day we proclaim the very heroism of our citizens, past and present.
Our expectation had been that we resolve our internal political issues in other forums and reserve national holidays for unity and commemoration of who we are and what we have achieved as a commonwealth.
Yet these were not always the case.
The point we are making today is that whenever a president thinks we are not part of his countrymen, we have the right to assemble somewhere else and stake the very citizenship that guarantees our being here.
Now, we know why jubilee has been peddling the invitation they extended to the opposition. It is because they no longer attract their usual friends. It is because Museveni is no longer available and Kenya is no longer a force to reckon with in East Africa. So they are inviting us to go fill the seats and help them save face.
There was a particular Madaraka Day Raila Odinga attended as a citizen and sat on the terraces. He wasn’t invited. I think it was at Nyayo Stadium. What did Uhuru men do? They started playing a propaganda Kibera slum documentary. It was the height of Anne Waiguru’s arrogance before we fell her.
Then they unleashed Museveni to shit-talk. We endured these things. However, though we forgave, it would have been idiotic on our part to forget.
As good students; we learnt our lesson, which was; that Jubilee is not interested in the national project.
Today at Uhuru Park, we will celebrate another triumph of freedom from Jubilee.
Until they recognize that Kenya is bigger than Jubilee and that a state function is markedly different from a jubilee rally, we in CORD will keep our distance, and do our things, our way.
Anyone with a contrary opinion can take the next Matatu to Afraha. Donge?
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