DEMOCRACY TESTED

It drains my soul to kick off this New Year with such a poignant title, but the current political tendencies leave me with little choice. As a Kenyan of goodwill, it is my moral duty to raise a red flag when necessary. The year that was 2012, saw Kenyans decry bad leadership and being the hopeful people we are, crossed over to the New Year hoping for better leadership subsequent to the March General Election. 

The week past saw most political parties hold their primaries to elect those that would fly their party flag come the March 4^th poll. The party primaries were however not a walk in the park, as they were marred with violent demonstrations heralded by claims of vote rigging. There were bitter claims that some aspirants had been declared winners despite been unpopular among the electorate, and the latter felt cheated in the process.

The political parties concerned were faced with the headache of settling the inglorious tussles that had proved a true test on the parties’ democratic practices, albeit in a limited period of time. To say the least, the results of the process were uncalled-for. The so called “big names” who had previously suffered humiliating defeats courtesy of those perceived as “underdogs”, had their names on some party’s final nomination lists! (How depraved!?).

This is utter disregard of the democratic processes, where the electorate should be left to vote for candidates of their choice. Some sections of the electorate have decried the move and threatened to abscond from the March 4^th General Election if their preferred candidates are not on the ballot paper, causing tension in parts of the country. Some have gone as far as flashing placards stating that there will be no peace unless their candidate is on the ballot; a very serious situation indeed.

The current state of affairs points to a country that is trending on a dangerous path, since a buildup of pre-election tensions could lead to a chaotic poll followed by violence, similar to that experienced soon after the last general election five years ago. The country has been reeling from the aftermath of those shattering moments five years ago.

It is against such a background that the government should desist from paying the Kenyan citizenry mere lip service as far as ensuring a peaceful election period is concerned. The law should be followed to the letter and without favor. Any politician who tries to incite people to violence should be arrested and brought to justice. Political parties on their part should ensure they conduct peaceful campaigns and prepare their supporters to accept the outcome of the elections, and seek legal redress in the event they are not satisfied with the outcome. 

The most vital role goes to the individual citizens who are to ensure that they maintain peace throughout the election period, bearing in mind that the same will come and go, but Kenya and Kenyans will remain after the 4^th of March. If the trouncing of some big political personalities in the primaries is anything to go by, then the coming General Election is one to watch; change beckons and I pray its positive.

We should all vote wisely and ensure we uphold peace, and coexist peacefully with our neighbors irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, religion or race. Kenya is the home to each one of us and there’s definitely enough space for us all!

Forgive my tardiness, but we’re still in the first month of 2013…therefore I wish you and yours a HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!  

WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN

Many at times we have often asked ourselves why bad things happen, albeit rhetorically. Be that as it may, there is an answer to this question, and believe you me you will want to know it. We are fast to raise a pointing finger to perceived bad people, whom we are convinced are the authors of the bad things that happen every day.

In Kenya for instance, one will run out of fingers counting the soul draining bad things that happen every passing day. Talk of instances where some citizens have starved to death in times of prolonged drought and famine.  Sick patients succumbing to their illnesses due to inadequate or lack of proper medical services and medicines. Grisly road carnage incidents that continue to claim the lives of thousands each year while hundreds more are maimed for life.

Let’s move on to devastating situations such as school going children studying under trees and rocks, despite the myriad of challenges that emanate from studying under such conditions. What of the biting inflation caused by certain corrupt, powerful forces in the economy. And perhaps the most prime at this particular point in time; insecurity.  

We’ve gotten to a point where cases of terrorism and insecurity have become rife. People have left their homes in good health early morning, and failed to return in the evening, having lost their lives.  It is slowly and sadly dawning to the citizens that each and every day they live to see might as well be their last.

These are just but a few of the bad things that have happened and continue to happen with no one willing to take responsibility for them. Citizens may be quick to point an accusing finger at the government and Kenyans are particularly known for coining the famous slogan “tunaomba serikali iingilie kati” which is translated to mean “we are requesting the government to intervene”

This is the slogan that most people use when bad things, most of which I mentioned earlier, happen to them. But do you really know why bad things happen? I am sorry to disappoint you but the main reason why bad things happen is not the government’s sloppiness.  

Bad things happen because of all those good people who do nothing!! There you have it – you now know the reason why.

Take for instance the ongoing voter registration process. The turnout of potential voters for registration has been described as poor. Surprisingly, those who will not register and hence not vote are the very people who will wag their tongues for the next five years over how bad the government is. Scores of citizens have given up on the possibility of Kenya having a president who is elected Not on the basis of tribe or alliance, But on the policies and issues they seek to tackle.

This is absurd because as much as the politicians try to sweet talk the voters with their words, they do not make the decision for the voter, neither do they carry the voter’s card for them. This can only mean that if every Kenyan voter were to identify the most ideal presidential candidate, and cast their vote in favor of the said candidate, then the country would surely end up with a very good president. 

I wish to reiterate yet again that bad things happen because of all those good people who do nothing. If you read this post and you know what’s good for your county, then you will go out there and register as a voter. You will then proceed to vote for the most deserving candidates come the 4^th of March next year, not based on tribe, religion, money, gender and all those other flimsy factors that people tend to bring up. 

You will instead vote for a leader who will unite all kenyans, assure them of their security, one who will not condone the rampant corruption that is threatening to bring our country’s economy to its knees, one who will guarantee a brighter future for our children through education, provision of medical services to all citizens, one who will ensure that our country becomes food secure, and above all a leader who will maintain high discipline levels in all sectors of the government for the good of all citizens.

Make the right choice for the sake of your country and its future generations!!

OBAMA’S MOMENT

When America went to the poll last week Tuesday to decide between Barrack Obama and Mitt Romney, political analysts had predicted that it would be a tightly contested race. Anxiety had taken the best of both candidates supporters. And while the world observed the American election, Kenya watched with a keen eye and bated breath.  

American president elect Barack Obama.

Republican Candidate Mitt Romney.

Barack Obama was declared the winner amidst wild jubilation from his supporters. He then proceeded to give a powerful acceptance speech while Romney conceded defeat.  Back in Kenya, words alone cannot adequately paint a picture of the concurrent events. This given the ancestral ties the American president elect has with Kenya.

The Obama's acknowledge cheers from supporters.

To begin with, way before the presidential election, women groups in Kogelo, which is the ancestral land of Barack, had been holding special prayers for the incumbent president’s victory! As Americans took to the voting stations Tuesday, the villagers in Kogelo braved the morning cold to conduct a mock election, whereby “voters” cast their ballot in favor of Romney or Obama. Need I say who emerged the mock election winner?

Kogelo residents celebrating Obama's win

The villagers proceeded to spend the night glued to the television screens as the results were streamed in live by major media houses. By late morning, it was apparent that Obama had taken the lead and that marked the beginning of ecstatic celebrations across the village as people chanted the now famous slogan “four more years!” On social networking sites, congratulatory messages to the president elect stole the show.

Routine activities were shelved as the jubilant citizens celebrated the victory in the best way they knew how. Mrs. Sarah Obama, the president elect’s step grandmother was not one to be left out of such revelry. The senior Obama thanked God for Barrack’s success and said she looked forward to attending the swearing in ceremony in America early next year.

Mama Sarah Obama celebrates with other villagers.

That said, Obama has four more years at the white house. The fact that the American presidency is the most powerful political position in the world means everyone will be watching with keen interest the policies he advocates for. Given his charm and charisma, the Americans knew better than to deny him a second term in office! 

Here is to four more years!!                                                              

THE UONGOZI CAMPAIGN.

I have said before on this site, and would wish to reiterate that; a better and brighter future surely lies ahead for Kenyans if they take up the initiative to make wise and informed decisions while voting for leaders. I was really elated to learn about the noble UONGOZI campaign, an initiative that seeks to have Kenyans, as Sammy Wambua puts it, break away from a past that saddles them with questionable leadership and the resultant ills. UONGOZI is a Swahili word meaning LEADERSHIP.

CEO's Linus Gitahi of Nation Media Group and John Githongo of Inuka Kenya flag off the campaign.

The campaign, which is intended to engage Kenyans from all walks of life has its slogan as ‘’Ni Sisi!’’ translated to mean “It is Us!”. It is up to the Kenyan people to address the problems facing their nation. And what better way to do this than to start by voting in credible leaders in the upcoming elections? This means that it is up to every Kenyan to value their vote and the positive input they would contribute towards nation building.

UONGOZI seeks to invoke a frank conversation among Kenyans, which will revolve around past occurrences and experiences. It will also be a platform where the citizens can ask straightforward questions, especially those that matter most in their lives. It is from these critical questions that voters will then be motivated to vote in candidates that offer the best answers to the questions. This of course will bring about plausible solutions as opposed to voting along tribal or regional lines while neglecting the main issues.

Then here is yet another exciting twist in the campaign, and which brings a smile to my face! The campaign, which will tour the whole country, will culminate in the selection of individuals who believe they could lead Kenya to a better future. The selected individuals will be engaged in a televised debate on how to deal with the various issues facing the country, and what’s more, the programme is scheduled to run till election time. That way, Kenyans will have all the necessary information to help them make the all important decision!

The UONGOZI logo.

Behind this very noble campaign is the USAID, under the democracy and governance program, DFID (UKAID) the government of Japan in conjunction with the UNDP, the embassy of Switzerland in Kenya and the Nation Media Group. It is also in partnership with the IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission), POSTA Kenya, AISEIC, YWCA and the Yes Youth Can Network.

“Real change is all about us and the choices we make, and actions we take as Kenyans”, says John Githongo, the CEO of Inuka Kenya Ltd, and I couldn’t agree more. I urge every Kenyan voter to take time and think about the immense power that their vote wields. That vote could change the life of every citizen for the better if and only if it is put to its best use; voting in credible leaders, who have development track records, no involvement in fraud or other integrity issues and most importantly, capable of uniting all kenyans as opposed to tribal consolidation. 

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE!!