Ababu Namwamba of the Grand Opposition

This afternoon in Kenya, I started to see something of Ababu Namwamba's idea of mounting a Grand Opposition to the government. He fought so hard for the post of Leader of the Official Opposition - despite his party being squarely in government.

Yesterday, a leaflet was being tossed about the globe bearing the names of the Maize Mafia - in other words the gang that together or acting alone had ensured that the country lost its strategic food reserves to the high paying Sudanese. On that list was Ababu Namwamba and others.

I was surprised and wanted to dismiss it as mere propaganda - the is plenty to go around both earth and Mars! In fact I had written off the piece of paper entirely. Even if Bonny Khalwale - who always reminds me of Chief Nanga of 'A Man of the People' fame - had harngued the House a little more, I still would have dismissed the paper as nothing short of an attempt at becoming a neo Joseph Goebbels. That lasted until Ababu Namwamba stood up in the House to name the First Lady.

I have no idea what Lucy has been to nor am I particularly bothered. Lucy is a lady struggling with a lot. She has put up a spirited struggle in the face of heavy odds. It is no secret in Kenya that Lucy has a challenge. She has borne it with great courage and determination. Where many people would have given up and resorted to heavy medication and institutionalization, Lucy has remained visible whenever possible. She has in a way given a face to a problem Kenyans have difficulty in dealing with.

I have great difficulty believing or imagining Lucy would buy and sell maize in Sudan. At best, somebody has used her name to set up a company which has acquired a life of its own. Ababu Namwamba should know this. In fact I belive he knew this quite well before he got on his feet to utter his accusations.

Having said that, two wrongs make no right. What he may have succeeded in doing is simple - he has given Kenyans a list of those involved in the maize scam with him. His crimes against the people are in no way ameliorated by the mention of Lucy's name. He has stooped lower than the low by naming Lucy. A man who aspires to respectability and bears the title "Honourable" before his name, must also adhere to honour. I know of only one group of people among whom honour is unknown. Yes you got it right - highway men and cut-throats.

Now we know his quest for the title of "Leader of the Official Grand Opposition" was a selfish grab for the perks that go with that office no altruism whatever. What a shame!