It has now emerged that NASAs decision to cancel its leader Raila Odingas inauguration was made after the Opposition leaders wife, Ida Odinga, opposed the plan.

Local media quoted sources close to the Odingas who indicated that the announcement made on Sunday had been preceded  by wide consultation between Raila and his advisors, his family, diplomats, and other stakeholders.

Ida is reported to have stood her ground and ordered those pushing for the inauguration to swear in someone else other than her husband.

Having suffered while her husband was in detention in the 1980s,  Ida was worried that Raila would be imprisoned for life in the event that he took oath as president.

"She was very clear the swearing-in was crazy and wondered where it came from," a family member was quoted by The Star.

Odinga's co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka,  Musalia Mudavadi,  and Moses Wetangula also played a role in the postponement of the ceremony.

They are said to have been concerned over the consequences that would have followed the event initially scheduled for December 12th (Jamhuri  Day).

The internal concerns were compounded by pressure from powerful western envoys who indicated they would not support the controversial plan.

When the final decision was announced on Sunday, many of the NASA leaders and strategists were caught unawares, some already on their way to Mombasa where the inauguration was to be held.