By:
Kenya saw a new light at the end of the tunnel after the multi-party system was adopted in 1991. The new multi-party system ushered in many goodies for Kenyans, although those rights and a privilege were enshrined in the constitution for all of to enjoy.
The multiparty system was/is a welcome move, but unfortunately political parties are formed along tribal lines and alliances, where one party fights tooth and nail to win over the other.
To those parties, winning and losing is anything between life and death; they believe that losing is not an option and feel threatened when loss is eminent.
In those political parties are political kingpins that call the shots even sanctioning the worst action that can haunt this country for decades. The Kenyan people vote overwhelmingly to their desired political kings along tribal lines and become the victims that don’t learn from their past.
Leaders with “winner-takes-all mindset keep on growing in number as days go by, election after elections, each one of them has to think of a new car, a mansion and foreign trips. They hardly visit and engage their electorates on matters that matter and citizen participation and developmental projects is never in their itinerary.
A good number of Kenyans are denied contracts, jobs and scholarships because they are perceived to be a political opponent and are sidelined because they didn’t vote for the incumbent and might go AWOL until the next general election, when they will try their luck, again for re-election.
A lot more enjoy the national cake because their party; a lot of funds meant for development are diverted to projects that might not have a long term impact, the phrase ‘’it is our turn to eat’’ becomes a reality.
We’ve lost the sense of shared prosperity; this loss did not happen by accident. It’s because of decisions made in party headquarters, parliament sessions, in national and county government offices, on trading floors, and entirely in this country under our national flag.
We’ve failed to guard against practices that all too often reward financial manipulation instead of productivity and sound business practices. The Kenyan economy does not stand still and neither should the rules that govern it.
Unfortunately, instead of establishing a framework that favors one and all, we simply dismantle the unifying factors and adjust systems to facilitate ways to loot.
We must embrace the notion that if one of us wins in a political seat, Kenya has won, we have all won and we should have the courage that whosoever is in power, Kenya should prosper under their leadership.
Kenya always craves for leaders that can help its people with or without power or position; leaders that are role models but not self-centered ones who just want to be in position to access the public funds in his/her own interest.
Kenya is the bond that holds us together; the politicians shouldn’t ascend to power to loot and misappropriate funds to suit and adjust their political will.
Winner-takes-all politics divides this great nation and brings about hatred and disharmony.
Let each political party accommodate Kenyans in an equal measure, let political leaders be accessible to all and sundry and initiate projects that can be reflected in the vision 2030.
Kenyans from all spheres should do themselves a favor by electing leaders; real leaders that matter and can be held accountable.
The beggar, the porter, the secretary, the treasurer, the police man and the business person should all be patriotic and help this country in their own capacity.
Let us come together regardless of one’s ethnic or political association.
Abdi Omar is the co-founder, Gratelake Consultancy firm. He comments on politics and leadership. You can reach him on abdiomaar22@gmail.com
