It has now emerged that National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga was offered a powerful position in a bid to stop the push for his swearing-in scheduled for January 30, 2018.

In a report by the Nation, allies of Mr. Odinga disclosed that the US was behind the agenda to have the former Prime Minister elevated to a statesman.

Special privileges

The position would allow the NASA leader special privileges and State power. As per the said negotiated deal, Mr. Odinga would be handed an office a motorcade and staff.

Apart from this, Odinga would be given a handsome package to enable him to travel the world promoting Kenya’s image and giving talks on democracy.

It is also said that on the table was the NASA leader’s retirement deal that would measure up to his long career in the public service.

However, Odinga reportedly rejected the deal insisting that the Opposition was pushing for electoral reforms.

“Assuming I accept, what will I do with my colleagues in Nasa? They cannot come to tell us who should be this and that. We are talking about a stolen election and our aim is reforms to bring about electoral justice. We have never talked anything about that,” Odinga was quoted as saying.

Nonetheless, US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec is on record refuting claims that he was brokering rewards or positions.

“The US continues to be committed to a national conversation involving all Kenyans to build national unity, address long-standing issues and resolve divisions exacerbated by 2017 elections,” he said.