'Project' or self-made man?

Kibaki tells off Jirongo over 'Project' talk..

The eye-catching headline has many debating over whether or not Mr. Jirongo's claim has any substance.This is understandable given the man's political past.But, emotions aside, could it really be possible, or probable, that Kibaki has silently endorsed M.M. as his preferred successor and, is he really sponsoring other political 'projects' with a view to locking out the other major contenders from capturing the presidency?The jury is still out on that but consider this handful of facts that could possibly point to the right direction.

First, we have had Mr. Kibaki as president for ten years now.He has been quite predictable as far as speaking out on national matters is concerned and appears to have a laissez faire approach.Mr. Mwai is not known to speak out against his critics or detractors regularly.One moment that stands out is when a national daily accused him of having a 'second family'.We know what followed.

Second, tacitly, it appears Mr. Kibaki's plan is to have a 'neutral' candidate.On this one, he just may be right!We already know and understand the M.O. of the other forerunners and their ability to balkanise the masses.We do not need a caustic personality at this sensitive moment, nor will we ever need one. Many have also been quoted as saying that in 2012 a certain tribes presidency is unviable.

Finally, it appears that the strategy this time round is to pull out all stops to deny a certain candidate the presidency, by hook or crook.The counter strategy of issue-based politics may just be wishful thinking; especially in a country where politics is ethnicized.To win requires a better, though somewhat controversial, strategy.