This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
Norman Magaya, a former head of NASA Coalition Secretariat, has been a thorn in the side of the Kenyan government since his collapse at Bomas of Kenya in August 2017. The incident, which was widely reported, has left Magaya with a heart condition that has seen him spend months in the hospital, only to deteriorate again.
Magaya's story is a stark reminder of the treatment meted out to those who dare to challenge the status quo in Kenya. His courage, tenacity, and loyalty to the opposition front have been rewarded with neglect and abandonment by his own party, ODM.
Long before the handshake, Magaya was a key figure in the opposition movement, and his collapse at Bomas of Kenya was a significant blow to the coalition. However, it seems that his party has forgotten about him, leaving him to suffer in silence.
Magaya's case is not an isolated incident. There are many others who have been similarly treated by the ODM party. The case of Kenyatta University students who were suspended and expelled after a 2013 vote stuffing scandal is a stark reminder of the party's treatment of its own members.
The students, who were seeking the intervention of Raila Odinga, were left to suffer for years, with some never returning to complete their studies. The case of Oluoch Dan Owino, who was expelled and later sued KU, is a testament to the party's lack of empathy and leadership.
Today, Magaya is a shadow of his former self, weakened by his heart condition and the betrayal of his party. His story is a stark reminder of the consequences of playing politics with people's lives.
As we reflect on Magaya's story, we are reminded of the importance of leadership and the need for parties to take care of their members. The ODM party must take responsibility for Magaya's condition and ensure that he receives the support he needs.
