The recent conflict between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio leaders, with the latter accusing the US and the UK of staying silent on human rights abuses, has eerie echoes of the cold war era.
Raila Odinga, who first emerged in 1970 as a political figure, has been a constant presence in Kenyan politics, challenging all five post-independence governments, expanding the democratic space and gaining both critics and admirers.
The Odinga family has long been feared by politicians and voters alike, with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga becoming a cause in his own right. Western intelligence contributed to the phobia and created fear around Jaramogi.
The British set up a Special Editorial Unit whose work was to engage in a smear campaign against Jaramogi.
The CIA also contributed to the phobia with a document dated July 1964 titled ‘Leftist activity in Kenya’ which laid the foundation of Odinga-phobia in the country and in Washington.
