Kenyans, let us vote in good people, not parties

FRANCIS KAHIRU, Nairobi.
Publication Date: 06/11/2006

The elections euphoria is quickly catching up with us. The tragedy, though, is that the euphoria revolves around parties, not individuals.

To help us appreciate the significance of my opinion, let's remember the circus through which politicians have taken us since 2002 when we elected them into Parliament.

Since then, all their debates have focused on ways of addressing their own concerns as individuals, not for the country. Immediately they got into the House, their first business was to increase their own salaries and allowances.

Recently, Finance minister Amos Kimunya proposed to tax their allowances. We are all aware of the response. They rejected the proposal.

It has been a nightmare for the Speaker to have enough MPs to form a quorum for debate in Parliament. Debates on important Bills have gone on without quorum.

Last week, a meeting called to discuss the draft national land policy attracted only a handful of MPs. Where were the others? No one knows, only that they were not where they were supposed to be. Certainly not where we pay them to be. This is extremely disturbing.

The prosecution of perpetrators of corruption in our land has been slow. One thing is clear: Many of the current crop of politicians, some of whom are seeking the highest office in the land, have been adversely mentioned in condoning corruption. We should do away with such persons.

My advice to fellow Kenyans is this. Shun political parties; let us elect individuals.

With the two major parties up and about wooing voters, I now get excited at the entrance of new parties like Agano. I am yet to learn its philosophy but for now, I am enthusiastic.

We need new blood. We need persons who are not tainted, persons who will purge corruption without fear or favour.