Monday 28 January 2013

The Murky Politics, Kenyan Edition And Appeal

In the recent past we have all been treated to the usual theatrics that characterise elective politics. There have been ups and downs for most people while for a few its been ups only on lows only.
The practice of elective politics comes with heightened emotions, lots of betrayal, shifting goal posts, and euphoria.

In the past 50yrs when Kenya has been in existence as in independent state, it has remained an envy of many nations owing to the prevailing peace. Indeed while all the neighbors have been busy fighting. The sad story of Somalia is common place, the turmoil in Sudan, perennial battles between Ethiopia and Djibouti, the numerous coups in Uganda, ever fighting Congolese, genocide in Rwanda, and long running war in Burundi are now news to any person today. This unusual phenomenon has helped the nation to become an economic hurb in the eastern Africa.

Until December 2007.....

In this period, the usual practice of high stake electioneering saw sustained polarization of the nation along sectarian and ideological divides initially and later along ethnic and economic divides. What began as an innocent chant during the first ever constitutional referendum turned out to be a factor to create ethnic bukanization of the nation. By the time of going to the polls, it was evident that all was not well.
Without dwelling too much on history, here we are again.

My I pose one question thus far: Did we learn a thing from the post-election violence of 2007/08?
I would hesitantly say Yes and No in the same breath. I would have been thrilled to resoundingly say YES we learnt. But unfortunately we did not! 

Why yes? As an aftermath of the chaos and kilings, the nation attracted alot of condemnation from the development partners and friends. For the first time, Kenya was in the news for wrong reasons. And consequently, the Rome statute that set up the ICC was invoked. To that extent, we learnt that the big brother is watching. No need to belabor that.

Why then do we say no? If the events of recent past are to go by, either we forgot the experiences or we have conveniently erased such memories to suit the moment.
For starters, these are the five reasons that strengthen such an observation.
1. The tone and pitch at political rallies are nothing different from what preceeded 2007 election. There has been heightened rate of hate mongering and hate speech. The speech that divides us Vs them, my people Vs others etc
2. There has been eveident disregard to the rule of law by both leaders and the citizens. The constant shifting of goal posts by political leaders has reinforced the quick tendency to anarchy and lawlessness to the extent that a slight provocation, would see tires burning on the roads and people pelting stones at motorists...Again!
3. The ugly scenes witnessed during political parties primaries have left citizens feeling betrayed. The characteristic vote rigging, violence, imposition of party preferred candidates among other evils has angered the voters
4. An unfortunate incident where some contenders storm the offices of the IEBC disregarding the laid down procedures of filing complaints. This rekindles the memories of scenes at the then ECK nerve centre at the Kenyatta National Conference Centre. Such actions must not escape uncondemned. At best such persons must be punished and this may set a precedence of similar acts (of hooliganism).
5. The proliferation of briefcase pollsters who have persistently portrayed the presidential race at pitting the two main alliances with attendant risk of supporting their refusal to concede should that happen. This if unchecked is a genuine recipe for chaos.

That said, here are a few thoughts that people need the reflect on:

One, that elections come and go, people remain, a nation remain. Therefore its imprudent to allow destruction because of a one-off event namely elections

Two, the people who suffer most in cases of violence are the poor and the marginalised. This section cannot afford hired security, their habitat is highly prone to giong up in smoke. Additionally, they are unable to afford the cost of meeting the consequences of violence.

Three, the politicians will use idle youths to cause fracas then retreat to their leafy surbubs and discuss away from cameras on who have more fanatical following than the other. Similarly, they will share power and its trappings, keep off for five years and resurface after with new slogans and promises. This 'self reincarnation' behavior of politicians must be curtailed through the ballot.

Four, a progressive society should focus on ideals and issues and not party(isan) interests. That way one will determine what exactly is worth dying for.

Five, it takes long time to build a house and few hrs to pull it down.

Going forward...
The elites have been accused of being twitting voters, and facebook expinionists. Rightly so. It is disturbing that being refuse to take part in elections either as voters and/or candidates and instead resort to perpetual complaining and lamenting.
Each person must know there is always consequence for their (in)actions whether immediate or delayed. Its high time people devoted more time and developed some interest in shaping the national agenda. We are at a critical moment of making it or breaking it. Our actions will determine our future.

Final Appeal
Fellow countryment, whatever happens, lets never forget that there will be only one KENYA and our unity is one thing we must never miss. Where there is peace people prosper. Lets keep peace. And yes...there can only be one winner. If one all parties must win by hook or crook, then thats not democracy.
Lets guard what we have...PEACE.
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