Opinion: What to expect as Miguna makes second return to Kenya

Human and political activist Miguna Miguna is tomorrow expected to make a much-anticipated entry into the country.

Miguna has been in forced exile since February when he was bundled into a plane to Canada after he boldly swore Nasa leader Raila Odinga as the People’s President.

In March, the self-declared General attempted to return to the country on the strength of nearly ten court orders that had declared his deportation illegal and ordered the government to facilitate his unconditional return to Kenya.

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Uhuru Raila Deal

Unfortunately, Miguna’s second return came at a time when Odinga had entered into a little understood agreement with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

It did not help matters that Miguna had sternly opposed the Kenyatta-Odinga deal terming it a personal affair.

Nevertheless, Odinga was at hand to make what many concluded was a technical and meaningless attempt to secure Miguna’s freedom.

As Miguna prepares a second comeback, here are five things we can expect.

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Court Orders

While the court orders allowing Miguna’s return have increased to 13, it is unlikely that the Kenyan government will obey them.

It is telling that the Interior Ministry has not complied with one ruling that required them to issue Miguna with a valid passport prior to his entry to Kenya.

ODM and NASA

Unlike in the first return where Odinga and his team showed seemingly fake solidarity with Miguna, this time they will disown him and even side with the oppressive Jubilee government.

Some of Miguna’s lawyers such as Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma have already gone on record disowning their client’s course and supporting the breach of his rights.

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Government will be more ruthless

In light of the support from the ODM wing of the NASA coalition, the government can be expected to be even more ruthless in “dealing” with Miguna.

The Jubilee government was already showing signs of despotism prior to the famous handshake, that trend can only get worse after the endorsement of Odinga.

Miguna will not use a panya route

Fourthly, some of the people who are genuinely concerned for Miguna’s plight have advised him to enter Kenya through a panya route.

The argument is that border entry points in Tanzania and Uganda only require one to have an identity card and that the NRM General would not be blocked on account of not having a Kenyan passport.

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Knowing Miguna, however, it is highly unlikely that he would agree to such a careless plan that would accord the despots a chance to get rid of him without a chance for Kenyans to know the truth.

Miguna will not be cowed

Fifthly, I can assure Kenyans that regardless of the intimidation lined up against him, Miguna will not be intimidated.

The man has an unrelenting spirit that will not fade away until his rights are upheld.

The author is a journalist and a political commentator. The views expressed here are the author's and do not necessarily represent the position of Pulselive.co.ke