This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Published on August 11, 2019, by ISAACK OTIDI
Dr. Ekuru Aukot, a renowned Kenyan lawyer and intellectual, has long been respected for his expertise in constitutional law. However, his decision to venture into politics in 2017 marked a significant shift in public perception.
From being seen as a celebrated lawyer and academic, Dr. Aukot was quickly dismissed as a political novice, lacking the gravitas to make a meaningful impact. His critics portrayed him as a 'caricature and naïve dreamer' who had better remained within the university lecture halls.
Undeterred, Dr. Aukot went on to participate in the August 8 elections and later joined the legal challenge against President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory. His lawyer's arguments contributed to the nullification of the poll, earning Dr. Aukot a tinge of redemption from the opposition quarters.
However, his decision to participate in the October 26 repeat election, which was boycotted by Raila Odinga's Nasa brigade, once again cast him as an opportunist and a spoiler. Some even accused him of colluding with President Kenyatta to sanitise a flawed process.
Despite the backlash, Dr. Aukot persisted, insisting that he was the leader of the official opposition. His critics continued to mock him, calling his efforts a 'joke taken too far.'
But Dr. Aukot's 'Punguza Mizigo' plan, which aims to reduce the burden on Kenyans through constitutional change, has proven to be a game-changer. The plan has collected over a million signatures, forcing his critics to reevaluate their stance on the migration law expert.
As the political establishment scrambles to respond to Dr. Aukot's challenge, one thing is clear: he is no longer the novice he was once perceived to be. With his 'Punguza Mizigo' plan, Dr. Aukot has proven that even the smallest dog can have a big fight in him.
