Opinion

Opinion
Time to 'plant' change agents



 

 Who bewitched Kenya? A country of 48 year old self independence yet we can’t defeat 1963 post independence vices we inherited from our colonial masters.

By Nicholas Nyile(Pictured)

These vices hold us captives to date despite having been ruled by three successive regimes namely:- Kenyatta (1963 - 1978), Moi (1978 - 2002) and Kibaki 2003  to date. The vices which hang around our necks are:- poverty, ignorance, diseases, illiteracy and tribalism (Ethno-regional stereotype politics). Since then we have endured the KANU and NARC misrule under the old constitution for the last 47 years until August 2010 when a new order was passed by majority during  a national referendum and promulgated in the same month.

Under this new dispensation, we have moved with the same charlatans who can’t define governance and constitutionalism yet want us to believe their dogma and be loyal to their political parties which lack both social philosophy and political ideology.  Since I’m duty bound to serve under the transitional justice, allow me to begin multiple definitions of my subject.

Governance is simply the art/state or relationship between the governor and the governed or the  management of public affairs by any committee (either state or non state actor). Constitutionalism on the other hand is the spirit of the constitution (heart of the letter). Thus Democratic Governance is the art of public participation or consultation of members in decision making process.

Argue less when I say we have a good constitution (letter) but we have just started the journey of constitutionalism (spirit of the letter) some of the rulers have not even conceptualized our new constitution yet they teach democracy and new constitutional fortunes while their mind-set and primitive

behavior still live in the old order. Just imagine the beneficiaries of status quo who reaped from system of KANU Kleptomania and lootocracy and who opposed any attempt of constitutional change now pretending to preach democracy.

Kenyan fellows will bear me witness that as we are approaching the first general election under new constitutional dispensation, the electorate are being twisted up and down by their elected representatives who are set to mutilate the new document.  My case can only be proved by the ongoing debate of changing of the election date from the set  2^ndTuesday of August 2012 to their convenient time of December/January or even March 2013. The debate by the Mps is the illegitimate in the sense that there are pending cases in both high court and supreme awaiting interpretation. Our Mps are just contravening  the law sheer arrogance and ignorance  citing their term of office must expire. They are forgetting their brethren - the likes of Amos Wako, Evans Gicheru and PLO Lumumba among others had too security of tenure but the new order is both supreme and demands new beginning.

All these developments are acts of impunity, ignorance and hypocrisy openly demonstrated by our leaders. For Kenya to bail out herself from this  retrogressive rule and position for prosperity, equity and social justice, we ought to advocate for paradigm shift whereby the forces of reforms must defeat the status quo. But remember there is a limit as to where reforms can be realized without true reformers not pretenders who have all along supported this tyranny regime. My pro bono advice to my fellow citizens is that, the next administration must be a team of impeccable leaders who must demonstrate integrity  and competence  in  financial management. The president who will be the top CEO must demonstrate temerity, passion and charisma to tell off his friends and tribesmen whenever they attempt to insubordinate our resolve for equitable and just society.

Do Kenyans really know how many representatives we shall be electing during the forthcoming election? Get it from me, it is 3 at national level namely:- President, Senator and a Member of National Assembly then Governor, Women rep. and County assembly representative at the county goverment.

Mwenyenchi, meditate before you elect someone to represent you in matters of policy planning and management of your diverse affairs. Time is now to plant change agents ready to demonstrate social accountability. Luckily our constitution  chapter 6 article 79 provides vetting of candidates by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) alongside IEBC formerly IIEC thus will minimize shenanigans.

I don’ have powers to say much about county governments but I must parade some probable candidates for State house, although some may drop to become deputies/ running mates  in their respective camps/alliances. However, I shall front them in a 3 tier style but promise to give their full profiles and principles in the next edition. Group A: Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Uhuru Kenyatta. Group B: Paul Muite, Mutava Musyimi and Martha Karua and Group C: Peter Kenneth, William Ruto and Prof.  James Ole Kiyapi.

I have respect for the rest, but take it to the bank or bet with me the likes of George Saitoti, Musalia Mudavadi and Eugene Wamalwa are predators who can only contest in absence of Kenyatta, Odinga and Ruto respectively should they be ruled out of the race. Not forgetting two out of three are yet to clear with ICC, the verdict that cannot be ignored.

I have a special reservation for my sister Kingwa Kamenchu who is yet to get blessings from her native Njuri- Njeke but who has courage to cry to exhibit her love for our country. Much as I pity you my young sister with your good ideas and passion for this country, I would recommend you for the race of Senatorship at your county to avoid embarrassment but slowly gain popularity and political maturity.

The writer is a Programs Co-ordinator, Center for Governance and Advocacy  and also the  commentator with King’ang’ani weekly talk show on Mbaitu Radio (92.5Fm). Email: nicholasnyile9@gmail.com