Failure by NASA MPs to rally behind one of their own, NASA CEO Norman Magaya gunning for an EALA seat has not dampened his spirit at all.
This was a statement, that despite his combativeness within the party’s ranks, the MPs were not ready to disown one of their own for him.
His abrasiveness in conducting NASA affairs cost him the EALA ticket, some of the NASA MPs said
However, even in the face of this huge disappointment, he is determined to soldier on head-high.
In a tweet following his loss, Magaya said: “Unapologetic, tenacious, relentless, unremorseful, non-compromising and principled. Will never beg on my knees for favors. Keep them. Forever stay on my feet. There is dignity in being firm. Forever grateful to my mentor James Orengo. Charismatic!”
To him, he lost with dignity. “I consider it as just another day in politics. I am happy to have lost because of the hatred of Jubilee than to have won because Jubilee thought I was user-friendly and malleable…I campaigned even among the rank and file of Jubilee, Aden Duale, kipchumba Murkomen… they told me I had been a thorn in their flesh but they would see what they can do. Most of them told me there was unanimous informal decision among them that I should not go through,” he told the Standard in an interview.
He was not shy to question what the NASA MPs appointed to EALA did for the party during its most difficult time ahead of August 8 polls.
“Between July and now, when our people went through the most difficult times, where was Abdikarir? Where was Oburu and where was Fatuma? They were nowhere, they have no fidelity to the cause…” opined Magaya.
The 36-year old father of three and a lecturer is however, hopeful he will one day make it to Parliament. “I can assure you that I will be in that parliament sooner or later.”
The NASA CEO credits his journey in the opposition to Raila Odinga, James Orengo and Johnstone Muthama.
For Orengo, he respectfully says: “He’s certainly the most experienced, most tested politician on our side after Raila. He’s the one who is most available to me and we rarely differ on issues. He had not been coming to parliament but on Thursday he was there principally for me.”
He adds that for anyone flirting with the idea that he will ditch NASA after his loss, “They obviously don’t know me. This has never been about me and my ambition. If anything, this has given me more resolution to fight on. I do not intend to tone down. My tempo can only rise.”
In conclusion, he avers he will continue working for the opposition until Jubilee is dethroned from power.
“I was not pulled from class to keep Jubilee in power. My role is to kick them out. We have to take the long and trusted road that guarantees constitutionalism, democracy and development.”