NEW ERA IN KENYA

The new era.

It makes me proud to see the development initiated in Kenya for the last ten years. The construction of roads all over the country is a great step towards fighting poverty. It is my hope that relevant authorities will come up with ways to protect these roads from damage from heavy commercial vehicles. The feeder roads to areas with essential facilities should also be enhanced by the district roads committees. This will go a long way in bringing development closer to the people. Farmers will be able to transport their products to the markets, hospitals will be accessible, schools and other amenities will be of value to the communities.

As President Kibaki wide up his term as the head of state and government, we as Kenyans will have something to remember him for. He has ushered in a new constitutional dispensation. As we celebrate the new constitution, it is important for all of us to assist in its implementation to the last dot. A people with no rules are not heading in the right direction. I urge Kenyans all over the globe to obey the rule of law and those who are paid to protect the law must take action and punish all those who bend or break the law regardless of their position.

Good leadership is essential for us to get to where we dream of getting a country is as good as its leaders. We must realize that our leaders are as good as those who elect them. When an MP throws stones, like some do, or fails to make any law in parliament; let us blame ourselves as Kenyans. As we get to having new leaders in 2012, let us vote wisely. We need to have leaders who will drive Kenya to an industrial level thus creating jobs for our people. I call upon the professionals,  the business people, the tax payers, the senior citizens, the youth, those in the diaspora, men and women to arm themselves with the necessary documents and information in order to bring in a sensible crop of leadership.

Kenyans are very hardworking lot and only need political stability to be the example to other African countries. We as Kenyans must desist from tribal politics and welcome politics of substance and value. Those leaders who have baggage from their past must be removed and we bring in fresh minds, young energetic men and women with a vision for the country, county, constituency and the wards. We must judge the leaders by their past record, education, family values, social life style, personal character, economic management and their vision for Kenya.  As we remember the past injustices to Kenyan people we must bring in leaders who will learn from it but not dwell on it. Kenya needs people who are moving fast forward to the brighter future ahead. Those with corrupt tainted past must be allowed to deal with their own burdens first.

The number of people vying for positions is equal to number of positions available. It is upon the Kenyan people to distinguish between political position and administrative position. A county governor is not a politician but a county manager. An MP must be able to initiate parliamentary debates, contribute to motions and make laws that will benefit those who elected him/her. This position needs educated men and women without a tainted past.

The country’s CEO must be a man or woman who has a proven track record both in politics and administration. We have been talking reforms for decades now and it is time we now brought in a new agenda for Kenyans. Create a secure corrupt free environment for investors. Think of   Development, good up to date education for all, industrialization for job creation, good foreign policies that facilitate bilateral relations with other countries thus create market for our products, health for all and social security.

We as Kenyans must watch out as we select our next CEO, we must think outside the ethnic box. Some of those who have shown interest in this position have tainted past and may bring in their baggage to Statehouse.

It is our high time to put into check the behaviors of each one of them, his/her political stand, relationship with other tribes men and women, his/her written promise to Kenyans, past deeds good or bad which may affect the people of Kenya.

The people of this land are peace loving and would not like to be dragged into petty party and tribal politics that have costed lives and property in the past. From the 1982 black August 1^st  attempted coup that wanted to bring  Moi’s constitutional 4 year leadership down, the people who were against reforms of the 90s, tribal clashes of the 1997 to 2002 and the latest post-election violence of 2007. All those who took part in these activities on either side of the game are well known and should not be given an opportunity to lead Kenya. Many lives have been lost and their hands are full of blood. They had the capability to prevent bloodshed by using their positions but they didn’t. They have enjoyed the fruits of bloodshed with no shame or compensation to the abused Kenyans, some of whom are in absolute poverty.

I would wish to congratulate all those who have shown interest on the top seat. You are all great men and women. As you all sell your vision for Kenya, do it with a sober but confident mood. Do not fight, discredit others or use abusive language. Your supporters like and believe in you, you must be able to warn then against un acceptable behaviors like booing and throwing stones to other candidates. Remember the buzz effect, get people talking but let them talk about the great ideas you have in your manifestos.

The Kenya electoral body must have a level playing ground for all candidates both men and women. We are watching from all corners of the world.  Make use of the teeth given to you by the act that established you and the constitution of kenya. Do not allow anybody to bring Kenya down. As one Prof. George Saitoti said, “Kenya is greater than an individual’’

Finally, it is not a matter of “ mtu wetu’’ anymore, we will not worship anybody. Time has come for all of us men and women of Kenya to realize that after elections, those elected change their phone numbers, their vehicles, their eating places and even their language. You will be of help once again after 5 years when they will need your vote. When you can’t pay your house rent, your child is sent away from school, you cannot get treated in the public hospital due to lack of money, your roads in the village are impassable etc, they are in the gym in a posh hotel and later drive in a top rage vehicle that consume a lot of fuel at the expense of the tax payer.

Rise up Kenya. We can get to where want. We can get the Kenya we will all be proud of. It is possible. We will make it. It may take long but it will surely come to pass.