SANE POLITICS (Part 2)

Together, we can fly the flag high once more...

Déjà vu. That is exactly the feeling that filled me when during the funeral of a fallen statesman, our former head of state declared, rather subtly of his desire that we elect the son of our first president into the highest office of the land. A decade earlier, such an event had occurred with very little success when Moi had endorsed Uhuru to inherit him as Kenya’s president.

As we well know, our current and outgoing president was catapulted into the helm with popularity across the land and the endorsement of many leaders who rode along the ‘Rainbow’ wave and occupied senior positions in the coalition government that was formed. Since that ’02 election, it has been a decade of political betrayals, bickering and ‘break ups’ if such an expression exists. On a positive note, we’ve experienced increased freedom of expression, reduced bureaucracy in government operations and as data reflects, but not in everyday situations, economic growth.

The ugliest blot and one that will remain etched on our minds is of course the unprecedented chaos, violence and bloodshed that we experienced across the land after the 2007 General Elections.

As we stand now, the boat that is Kenya is now rocked by waves that are growing in intensity as we countdown to the election that’s just around the corner. I think that as a nation, we’ve run around the same circle like a headless chicken for far too long and it’s time we seized the moment and altered the status quo.

I am not a radical asking that we storm the streets and make our voices be heard, neither am I going to watch the unfolding of events without having my voice being heard. I love my country too much and it pains me, as it should to you that years have passed with the political elite fattening their payslip as our fellow people wallow in I.DP camps. I am not asking that you vote for a particular candidate neither, no, not at all.

All I ask is that you take time. Reflect. Then, decide. Do some soul searching and ask yourself what role you can play, either small; such as refusing to carry out that corrupt deal or in a big way; like letting those close to you know that tribalism is a Goliath that can only be felled by those courageous enough to face it. The destiny of Kenya lies in your hand; will you seize the moment or let it slip away …one more time?

God bless Kenya, as He blesses you wonderful reader. I remain Njabia the 3^rd.