A new Start for Kenya?

The enthusiasm felt after the democratic wave that swept over Africa in early 1990’s and introduced multi party election in Kenya was short lived, as commentators soon started to realise the transition was not a linear and the country either lay by or lost its way. To most, it transformed more into a semi-authoritarian regime and by the end of the millennium hopes towards (a liberal) democracy had dwindled. It has been a murky and bumpy ride for Kenya, but the positivism and enthusiasm was soon to re-emerge when the country promulgated a new constitution in 2010.

This bred a new sense of renewed hope and togetherness across the country. In fact, Kenyans were voted as the most hopeful people in the world. What the executive failed (or choose not) to realise is that the new paradigm had robbed them of their ‘power’. It had altered the balance of power between the state and the society in favour of the latter. It had strengthened the judicial and parliamentary institutions, but more importantly empowered Wanjiku well beyond the metaphorical one vote anchored in representative democracy. It is no wonder decisions made by the judiciary and parliament continue to catch the executive by surprise. No one would have ever imagined a city court issuing an order to arrest a sitting president; nor a legislature rescinding executive appointments. Or a foreign court acting upon the trangress of rights of the pawns. Or even a stronger civil society that articulates and enforces standards of public morality, performance as well as accountability, more recently demostrated by the successful calls for the ICC acussed to relinguish their public offices. All these are less issues to do with power relations than they’re checks on the health of our democracy.

However, besides these newest developments in the right direction, a dark cloud still hovers over the country. Troubling is the deeply rooted corruption, impunity, clientelism, neopatrimonialism, egocentrism, tribalism, and unjustified politicisation of government agendas, and the little impetus in the society to fight these social vices. A civilised community requires men and women who respect each other; people who care for each other’s welfare; citizens who don’t look at each other through tribal, class, race or even religion lens; leaders who don’t have to buy or corrupt their ways but rather motivated by their subjects wellbeing.

We will not relent our efforts and dreams till we see this Kenya, where everyone has equal opportunities and leaders put the interests of the masses before their interest; a big Kenya where politicians don’t sacrifice the lives and properties of citizens to achieve their personal means. A precedence has been set, for our and future generations. Whoever said Kenya has changed forever was spot on. What we are witnessing is not leaking away of sovereignity but hollowing of executive power. Never again will politicians use the state power we have vested into them against us. This I say to you…

How memories of 2007 and politicians activities could make 2012 the most frightening year for Kenyans.

2011 has given way to 2012. Just like a fresh beatiful morning, the dawn of a new year usually brings hope and dreams for a better future. Kenyans stare at the new year with dismay and apathy. Life has become somewhat unbearable, with prices of basic goods skyrocketing and a ruthless government that brings down its peoples' homes.

But the real dangers lie elsewhere. Politicians are reinforcing tribal narratives and discources as they crisscross the country. The Coalition remains delicately poised and it is just a matter of time before it comes down crumbling. Opportunistic and egocentric politicians continue to dupe Kenyans into joining their tribal fashioned outfits, labeling opposing kinsmen as 'traitors'(does Tuju ring a bell?). It is evident the lack of strong parties is a threat to our weak democracy, and parties which dont live beyond an election year continue to do alot of injustice to our society.

It is feared Kenya could drift back into the ugly political violence we witnessed in 2007. Thousands of IDPs spend their fifth year in the cold and government has done little to address this and issues of tribal clashes. I have always been sceptical about the government's commitment to reconciliation and healing: the executive stood watching (like many of us did) as the wrangles in TJRC eroded any faith we had left in our political system. Incumbents have not prepared the ground for a peaceful vote in 2012 and last minute rush to implement electoral and political laws has created confusion and panic within political and electoral circles. A few months to the election and nobody seems to know the election date inspite of being inscribed in the constitution. Electoral boundaries remain undefined. It is in this context Kenyans cast an anxious eye into 2012, with the unhealed memories of 2007 causing their stomachs to rumble.

Lets stand one, lets stand all and redeem our dear country from the hands of a few self interested and undemocratic individuals who lack a vision for this great country. Lets defend our democracy,lets stand by our Kenyan spirit. Lets shun tribalism, lets take pride in our diversity. This I SAY TO YOU.....