Tomorrow, the High Court will deliver judgment in the murder case of Sharon Otieno involving former Migori County Governor Okoth Obado and his aides. Nearly eight years later, the Court will finally determine where criminal responsibility lies in one of the countryโs most disturbing murder trials.
For many Kenyans, this case has never just been about the accused persons. It has been about whether power and influence can stand in the way of justice.
Tomorrow, the Court gives its answer.
After reading Governor Gladys Wangaโs open letter to James Orengo, I learned several new things, confirmed others, and came to a few firm resolutions.
For the first time, though, I felt a genuine urge to defend Gladysโthe very woman who ensured my departure from government - untill I saw her letter.
Back when Ongโondo Were was alive, Gladys would bring a legion of Homabay MCAs to Kasipul to announce publicly that I am impotent, wifeless, homeless, and childless. One MCA even claimed that she once tried to seduce me in our youth, but I could not rise to the occasion. I restrained myself then, refusing to make things personal with the Governor. Now I know better: ignore the dogs doing the barking and go straight for their owner.
Here are my key takeaways from her letter:
1. I have confirmed why Africans historically never allowed women to lead them into war: after one painful strike, a woman leader would let out a loud cry and throw in the towel. This signals to the enemy exactly where and whom to strike next. It also demoralizes oneโs own army and energizes the opposition.
2. Men and women feel different levels of pain even when struck by the same weapon. Women feel more painโsave for Millie Mabona.
3. After reading her letter, I now understand why Gladys Wanga uses mercenaries and proxies to fight her battles: she cannot withstand a direct hit from real political firepower.
4. Women will always hide behind their womanhood after starting a fight.
5. Gladys Wanga has inflicted considerable pain on many people using mercenaries and proxies, seemingly without realizing itโunless she is simply a narcissist.
6. War is the quickest route to peace. Therefore, never sympathize with an armed enemy soldier in the midst of battle if you truly want peace. Be an Orengo.
7. It is easy to nickname yourself a lioness, but acting like one is an entirely different game.
8. A woman will crawl at the feet of the powerful yet trample mercilessly on the weakโthe "mama wa kambo" syndrome.
9. When emotions run high, the truth emerges faster. But when that painful truth hits home, emotions soar and judgment becomes impaired.
10. If I were her advisor, I would have insisted she keep quiet as though nothing had happenedโshe has managed that successfully in the past.
Nevertheless, Orengo made clear why he struck Gladys. Her attempt to cite support for Oburu as the reason is merely a diversion.
Finally, and most importantly, the reason Linda Ground is becoming increasingly unpopular is that it is now seen as a Gladys Wanga-led operation.