One who springs to mind is Machakos Senator “Gemstone” Muthama, a most unpolished stone whom I remain convinced lost Mr Odinga a few thousand votes every time he took to the podium at the 2013 presidential election campaigns

Then there is Mr Odinga’s brother, nominated MP Oburu Oginga. One would think that by virtue of his age, experience, and education, Dr Oginga is a wise and reasonable man. On Saturday we were treated to another picture when he used the sombre occasion to launch uncalled-for attacks against Fidel’s divorced first wife.

Ditto President Kenyatta. He too is surrounded by all types of venal characters who undermine his claim to running a clean government.

One cannot pretend innocence if surrounded by thugs and bullies who love nothing more than to project their access to State House and to show off wealth of doubtful origin.

A thugocracy can never pass for a democracy.