I remember hearing when I was growing up that the freedom to even keep a chicken in this country was a privilege accorded to you by the state. Government machineries would come into play and take whatever they wanted from people’s homes simply because one did not attend Moi day’s celebrations. Over and over African leaders have proven that being in power is a platform for exercising ruthlessness and soring animosity among people. It’s a forum for totalitarian, egalitarian and imperial rule without giving a thought to the constitution. The moment one ascends to power, he turns his back to the rule of law; thereby gagging the media, influencing judicial processes, blackmailing witnesses, threatening and harassing activists and intimidating radicals. During my early educational days, I read in GHC in primary school what it took to repeal section 2A of the constitution that introduced the multiparty democracy in this country. To the 1990s young turks: Raila Odinga, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Kiraitu Murungi, Paul Mwite, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Bishop Timothy Njoya, James Orengo, Martha Karua and many others under the tutelage of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the late Martin Shikuku who suffered the unimaginable atrocities of the Moi regime; I salute you all. You did this country a great favour. However, my a 100 million dollar question to you all, save for Raila Odinga is, where are you now? Things are beginning to take precedence in this country that if not checked will lead to that kind of dictatorship you fought so hard and sacrificed so much to abolish. For example, why would the speaker of the national assembly – Justin Muturi bar journalists from the parliament proceedings under the pretext of creating more space for the legislators. I am a civil engineer with a bias towards structural engineering and I know for a fact that no structure can be designed without factoring in contingencies such as the one we saw in parliament building. I know for a fact that the designer did not design only for 222 MPs because from independence the numbers of legislators have always been increasing exponentially. So, one cannot claim that if we increase the number to 390 then the journalists will not find space. That’s not only absurd and dishonest but is also out-rightly malicious. I remember Caroline Mutoko commenting one day that being an MP in this country is tantamount to being in a professional career and Wabunge lead by Shakir Shabir became so mad that they compelled the then speaker Kenneth Marende to bar the Radio Africa Group from participating in parliament proceedings. However, looking at the ferocious outburst John Mbadi and company came out with over pay; one wonders if Mutoko was harshly treated. Suffice to say, everything she said was true. I want to reiterate – BEING AN MP IS A CAREER NOT LEADERSHIP IN KENYA. I think it’s time our universities introduced courses like BA in Parliamentary Entry. Let me not stray off lest I be accused of attack on the precious august house. The reason why I’m writing this article is that I want to know what digital leadership and era means. Look at the analogue leadership of Kibaki and Raila; [Analogue, according to Ruto]. During that time the media was powerful enough to create checks and balances. Don’t be cheated, there cannot be any meaningful democracy without the media. It’s unfortunate, though, sometimes that our media also fails to up their game; spending time reporting things that don’t matter at the expense of national salvation. I always took Uhuru Kenyatta to be rational; not Ruto, Uhuru. Ruto and Jirongo plunged this country into economic oblivion by introducing the fake 500 shillings, I grew up knowing the 500 shilling note as Jirongo. May be I was told a wrong story but I don’t think so. These two Kenyan elites lived up to the letter by Achebe’s assertion in ‘A Man of the People’: “If you think I shall spit the juicy morsel that the good fortune has placed in my mouth, you’re mistaken.” The good fortune smiled upon these two individuals in 1990s under the auspices of Youths for KANU, mentored by the then president. Overnight, the Kenyan shillings depreciated 100% down the economic ladder. By 1990, 1GBP was equivalent to KSHs 60, in a fortnight, it went to 120 shillings. I am not harsh on you Mr Deputy President, am merely stating the truth. But my question is, why would you allow yourself to be used as machinery for destruction? By the way Mr President, be warned, your deputy is dangerously ambitious. Going back on tract, Uhuru has always been rational and I thought that he would embrace the words of US President Barack Obama in Chicago the night he beat Senator McCain. He said, “I know there are people who did not vote for me in this election, but I want you to know that I will be your president too.” President Kenyatta should realise that he’s the president of the over 40 million Kenyans, including me who never voted him, not just the 6 million who voted for him. I don’t see why the president should allow his goons to humiliate and intimidate a shining son of this nation. I don’t see why the media should be gagged under his watch; I don’t see why we should have an economist heading the health docket when we have bright medical practitioners in this country. I don’t see why he should appoint Ngilu, Balala and Kambi to cabinet knowing clearly that there are people with better credentials than these three and that these three are politicians and will never stop politicking. Ngilu proved me right the other day by influencing key appointments of Principal Secretaries; I salute you Mr President for ignoring her and making an independent decision. However, I don’t see why Kimemia has to be the Secretary to the cabinet when it’s clear that he has a personal vendetta against some individuals in this country. If this post has to be occupied by a Kikuyu, isn’t there one who’s a bit impartial? The things that are beginning to take shape in this country are commensurate to the atrocities that occurred during the Moi regime. Begging the question that; Moi was your mentor, are emulating him? That’s why I started by asking, where are the young turks of 1990s? I know you are not young anymore but this country once again cries out for your selfless services. To my fellow youths, I think it’s time we actively engaged in ensuring proper leadership of this great nation. I don’t mean thuggish behaviour and hooliganism but positive debating on the things that matter to ensure we’re guided by the constitution. Constitution reigns supreme and we shouldn’t allow it to be mutilated by some snobbish groups who will never hesitate to sell their mothers for a mess of pottage simply because they think its interpretation does not favour them. To the Attorney General and Chief Justice, history will judge you. Remember when we entrusted you with these offices, my old grandmother heaved a sigh of relief and said, finally. After living under those despicable times when corruption robbed her of all justice system, she thought she was waking up to a new dispensation. You are about to take that hope from her again. Each and every one of us is the author of his on legacy; you two are busy writing yours. I beg to rest my case. However, I shall not tire from pointing out the wrongs inflicted on us by our so called leaders regardless of their political affiliations. God bless you precious people.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:13:03 +0000
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