We need a resurgence of national values to provide a lasting solution to the breakdown of our social order. Many say politicians are the greatest violators of human rights, even as the country leans on national healing and reconciliation to move forward.
It is clear to me that urgent corrective measures are needed to stop further deterioration and devastation. In my view, the breakdown of our social order stems from several factors: a winner-takes-all style of leadership, where those allied to a leader benefit far more than everyone else; a hunger for power and money among politicians, which drives them to exploit societal divisions, however harmful, to mobilize support; and a culture of impunity, evident in the failure to punish those responsible for wrongdoing.
A Food Crisis Kenya’s Leaders Won’t Own
A closer look at current events shows that our leaders have failed to admit they cannot provide for the most basic need: food. Blame and finger-pointing continue over the food shortage, even as many farmers cry foul because their produce cannot be bought.
We Have Paid Dearly — Why Justice Cannot Wait
In my opinion, we need to re-examine ourselves. We have paid dearly.
Still, let’s pause and ask, as many have: can we really look away and pretend nothing happened? To do so would be to our shame as a nation, and it would be our own doing. Justice exists for a reason, and we must apply it fully when faced with crimes of this nature. If we carry on regardless, one thing is certain: it will happen again if those responsible are never prosecuted.
What Accountability Demands of Kenyans and Their Leaders
I recall the words of the United Nations’ Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kyung-wha Kang, that Kenya has no option but to adopt and implement it in full, for the sake of justice and democracy in the country, and for its future.
“Let’s hold ourselves accountable as we hold our leaders accountable.” — Njeri Kabeberi, Executive Director, Centre for Multi-Party Democracy–Kenya
“Implementation and action must replace evasion and denial… Bringing the perpetrators of these serious crimes to justice will be a critical test for Kenya’s political leadership in the struggle to end impunity.”
What does this mean for those of us who will cast the vote? Our leaders need to inspire hope.
Leadership That Inspires Hope, Not Rhetoric
“In a true democracy, it is what happens between elections that is the true measure of how a government treats its people. Today we are starting to see that the Kenyan people want more than a simple change of guard, more than piecemeal reforms to a crisis that’s crippling their country.” — Barack Obama, then U.S. Senator, in his 2006 lecture at the University of Nairobi
It is a wake-up call not to be swayed by our leaders’ rhetoric. Politics is, in fact, a competition — one that should push us to shed tribal ideology and embrace politics based on issues and ideals; ideals that will quench Kenyans’ thirst for real change and faster reform. More needs to be done as we listen to the array of leaders competing for our votes.
The Change Kenya Needs Must Come From Within
As Kenyans, we have to work hard to get ahead. With a slight change of priorities, we can make a difference.
To achieve the change we so greatly desire, we also have to change how we deal with tribalism and corruption, no matter how persuasively our leaders speak to us. Unless that change comes from within us, it will remain elusive.
We should remain hopeful, calm, and united despite our diverse opinions as 2012 draws near.
