In politics, we must never forget our leaders' history

STEPHEN M. NDEGWA, Nairobi.
Publication Date: 06/11/2006

As political alignments shape up in readiness for the 2007 elections, some fundamental facts of our political history must not be lost to the public.

The post-2002 period marked the beginning of coalition politics in Kenya, but one key characteristic that never seems to die from our political culture is betrayal.

Jaramogi Odinga cried of betrayal after independence when Mzee Kenyatta and his kitchen Cabinet deviated from the main vision of independence – to deliver Kenyans from poverty disease and ignorance – and concentrated on amassing wealth for themselves and their families.
Our history is awash with such heartbreaking experiences, from the betrayal of Mau Mau fighters to the breaking of the pre-election MoUs by President Kibaki.

Such betrayals have always come at those times when the whole nation was united to defeat the enemies of development (colonialism and tribalism respectively) and restore sanity and prosperity.

In the current set-up, the country is focusing on eliminating tribalists and corrupt leaders but that vision faces imminent betrayal judging from the political activities of the moment.

A good example is the re-emergence of Charles Mugane Njonjo and Daniel arap Moi who are now trying to influence our political direction.

I recognise that they, too, have a right to hold and express personal opinions as well as to participate in political activities, but the same individuals were the architects of tribal politics, corruption, dictatorship, and poor governance that made sure we remained poor despite the enormous growth potential that existed.

Mr Njonjo, for instance, crafted detention without trial laws and dealt ruthlessly with opponents like Jaramogi. This eventually created mistrust and hatred between the Kikuyu and Luo communities or the Kikuyu and the rest of Kenyans.

Veteran journalist Philip Ochieng has documented accounts of how Njonjo used State power to manipulate the justice system, sabotaged Mr Kibaki when he was Vice-President, including "buying" editors to write falsehoods against the VP.

Currently, Mr Njonjo and his class of politicians are claiming they have "since seen the light" and want the unity of all Kenyans. They are attempting to bring together the Kikuyu and Luo elders "in order to solve the existing differences."

The unity of the two tribes would be good but that of the whole nation would be best. In any case, Kenyans must not rely on such people to forge unity on their behalf. These people have, in the past, let the country down and they must step aside so that the current generation can build bridges and learn to live together.

Trade minister Mukhisa Kituyi has been quoted as saying that leaders must be judged on their record and not merely by their words which, most often, are not genuine.

The people must trace the aspirants’ history, orientation and participation in national affairs. Such is the practice in the developed world. The media must play a major role in highlighting the history of our would-be redeemers.