NASA has suspended its daily riots against Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) . The opposition fomented violence which has led to loss of life and damage to property has been called off indefinitely. Intriguingly, it comes hours after the High Court lifted an order by Cabinet Secretary Dr Matiang'i barring demonstrations in major cities in the country.
While Raila Odinga has given the reasons for suspension as giving time to eulogize the death of protesters shot while looting and damaging private property, it is now emerging that external pressure by foreign powers have forced Raila to back down on his violent quest to overthrow the government. The demonstrations were sending a dangerous signal of plunging this country into chaos and anarchism.
Behind the scene lobbying and threats against the NASA leadership have forced the opposition to rethink its approach to the political situation prevailing in the country. Led by United Kingdom, the European Union, United States and African Union, they warned against incitement to violence and told the NASA Principals that they would be held responsible for any crimes against humanity likely to be committed.
NASA and its principals were dancing in the jaws of the International Criminal Court(ICC). Indeed, two petitions against the opposition leaders have been filed at the ICC and the United Nations, as threat of Raila's destructive antics are about to send this country to the brink of precipice are real.
As the NASA leader vows to give further direction on the status of demonstrations after Mashujaa Day, it's undoubtedly clear that he is in a political crossroads having withdrawn; albeit invalidly, from the presidential repeat Poll.
Meanwhile, the government must watch closely every step by Raila and he should not be trusted even with his declaration of suspending the demonstrations. Every precaution must be taken and all relevant security arrangements be readied as we head to the October 26th poll. He can backtrack anytime, or his move could be a decoy for a surprise lethal card he is likely to unleash just before the elections.