National Resistance Movement held a press conference and directed its followers to embark on an economic sabotage against the government. In doing so, they hope to put pressure on President Uhuru to agree for a dialogue aimed at holding another election in 90 days time.
Under the plan, the opposition movement has identified 3 big corporations in the Kenyan economy alleged to have benefited from the Jubilee administration. These include the giant Safaricom Limited, Brookside Limited and Bidco Company. No criteria was given on how NRM chose the three firms.
Details have however, imagined about the real reasons for Raila to go for the three.
1. Safaricom Ltd
Raila has blamed Safaricom for his defeat during the August election. He claimed that Safaricom colluded with Jubilee to steal his victory. The firm, having the widest network coverage on Kenyan soil was given the main responsibility of transmitting results announced at the polling stations.
Why Safaricom?
There has been uneasy relationship between the opposition side and the biggest mobile communication company in East and Central Africa. Consequently, Raila purchased significant number of shares of competing company, Airtel Kenya Ltd. The cold affair, now exacerbated by the apocalyptic electioneering events, led Raila to decide to assist Airtel in the mobile communication market in order to boost its revenue and have him earn more dividends from his investment.
2. Brookside Limited.
Brookside company associated with Kenyatta family has expanded its operations not only in East Africa but also making inroads in West Africa. It is one of the largest conglomerates involved in the dairy industry in the continent. It's robust performance has increased President Uhuru's financial muscle in the political arena. Raila is trying to sabotage Brookside intended to punish Uhuru economically. An effort in futility.
3. Bidco Company.
Bidco is one of the successful local firms dealing in manufacturing of consumer goods; from cooking oils to detergents. Before the August election, NASA approached Bidco and tried to solicit for funds for its campaign. Sources reveal that they were shown the middle finger and failed to secure even a single coin. Suspecting the company to be on the Jubilee side, NASA has decided to retaliate by including Bidco in its list of boycott farting.
The economic sabotage planned by NASA under NRM will be counter productive. You cannot force your followers to boycott goods and services of firms you do not agree with in the business circle. Moreover, these targeted companies have ruled the market in their respective sectors and their services touch on the day today life of consumers, including Raila's supporters who will heavily be inconvenienced.
By the time of going to press, Safaricom lines of James Orengo and Millie Odhiambo were still going through. Only zombies will heed the boycott.