Media tycoon SK Macharia has provided an explanation for why Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has received publicity on his radio and television stations during his campaigns.
When questioned by critics about why his media outlets had given Raila’s rallies more attention than those of rival politicians, SK Macharia said that the companies are independent, professional entities.
The media tycoon said that his enterprises were unbiased and that he was exercising his constitutional right to participate in politics when he spoke on Friday, December 10 at the Azilio La Umoja National Convention.
He added that he had faith in the people recruited to run his enterprises and that his political opinions did not interfere with their management.
“I am exercising my personal constitutional right to political participation as a responsible and free citizen. My political views and preferences are completely independent of my businesses which are managed by impartial and competent professionals,” SK Macharia stated.
He continued to urge people to support Odinga by saying that he had observed his late father, Mzee Oginga Odinga, and his leadership abilities. He also mentioned that Odinga has a wealth of political experience and was a member of the Grand Coalition government.
SK Macharia also praised Raila for his selflessness, saying that he has worked hard for the country and sacrificed personal benefit for the sake of the nation, which, in his opinion, was clear when he backed President (Rtd) Mwai Kibaki.
“Raila Odinga has lived a life of a selfless struggle for a better Kenya. He has always championed greater causes than self, and like his father, he also stated ‘Tosha’ in 2002 for the sake of the country and embraced the handshake in 2018,” the RMS boss stated.
“Jaramogi (Raila’s father) was a true patriot. The colonial government wanted Jaramogi to be the first Prime Minister and not Mzee Kenyatta, but Jaramogi refused. The truth is, the first-ever ‘Tosha’ call came from Mzee Jaramogi.”
In August 2021, Macharia made clear how important the handshake had been in paving the path forward for the country, which was in a crisis following the 2017 General Election. Macharia has been outspoken in his support for Raila.
He also made references to his pivotal involvement in the coalition agreement between Raila and former President Mwai Kibaki and the former President’s predicament during the 2013 General Election.
He informed the crowd that Kibaki had granted him permission to back Raila because the departing Head of State was unable to turn his back on Uhuru Kenyatta at the time.
“We sat down with Kibaki, he told me – ‘since you’re the one who brought and advocated for Raila, and you convinced him so that we might work together (and form a coalition) and since we ran together with him (Raila in 2002) stick with him. For me, my young man (Uhuru) is in trouble with the ICC and I cannot leave him behind, go and tell Raila that’ Muthaura was with me.”
“No one believed that SK supported Raila and left Uhuru. Now you know why,” the billionaire stated.
