A lengthy social media post by controversial businessman Mike Sonko meant to be a birthday message to Azimio Principal Raila Odinga has been received with hostility after the former Governor choosing to unpack multiple past secret deals he had with the the former Prime Minister, claiming he did Raila many favors but instead the Azimio leader killed his political career.
Sonko’s message reveals a number of requests Mr. Odinga made to him while he was Nairobi Governor, favors he says he willingly actioned without questioning.
“Happy Birthday Raila Odinga. Even though you teamed up with your handshake brother and instigated for my illegal removal from the office, I still appreciate the shared moments we had, which are still very fresh in my mind.
When you requested me to facilitate the appointment of your sister Berryl Odinga, as Nairobi Water Director and later Chairperson, I did it. Also, when you requested me to appoint your cousin George Osewe as the chairman at Mbagathi Hospital Board of Directors, I did it,” reads part of Sonko’s birthday message to Raila.
The ex-Governor goes ahead to list more personal engagements he had with the Azimio Principal.
“When you asked me to do a fence, kwa shamba ya your lovely daughter Rosemary in Rongai, I did so. When you requested me to sink a borehole for you at your Kajiado land, I obliged. When you requested me to do a borehole for the widow of former IEBC ICT Boss, Mr. Msando, I did it. When you requested me to stand with your wife Mama Ida (whom I have a lot of respect for) where she was a chief guest in the fundraising of a Homa Bay school project where she is also an alumni, I did it by giving her a 5M contribution,” the post reads further.
Not stopping there, Sonko has accused Raila of engineering his ouster as Nairobi Governor, something he says led to him (Raila) not being Kenya’s 5th President. The businessman claims his influence could have added to Raila’s popularity which was key in trouncing UDA’s Ruto.
“I wish you a Happy Birthday filled with joy and celebration. May this new year be a blessing to you and your family. May it bring you happiness and success in all your endeavours. But pia nikukumbushe kidogo that with the little support I had during the last General election, ile margin ya 233,000 votes uliachwa nayo labda mimi with my small ground networks ningekujazia had you not engineered my downfall na pia kunichorea niblokiwe Mombasani kwa ballot ukiwa na ndugu zangu kina Sultan na wengine.
For instance, in Nairobi only where I always garner over 800,000 votes, I’d have convinced my few supporters to give you at least 100,000 votes. In Mombasa, out of 641,913 registered voters, I’m sure my few supporters would have given you an extra 50,000 votes. Not forgetting that I have a big connection with counties of Kwale county (328,243 votes) and Kilifi county (588,692 votes) where niko na tubiashara na tuinvestment kidogo singekosa 3000 and 3000 votes respectively kwa hizi counties,” reads part of Sonko’s post.
As he finishes, he admits there’s no permanent enmity in politics and that he wishes the former Prime Minister well.
“But life is too short to hold on to grudges as there’s no permanent enmity in politics. Let’s focus on positive moments and friendship as we support President William Ruto to lead Kenya as we try to bring the cost of living down. Wishing you well, good health, and Happy Birthday once again, Baba. May you and your handshake brother live long,” Sonko says.
Many have called out the the Governor for an undeserving post full of ‘irrelevant’ information when penning down the birthday message.
