Karen land saga a stark reminder of dark past

Once again Kenyans are being treated to scenes of accusations and counter-accusations regarding corruption that have predictably taken a political twist.

On one side is the Coalition for Restoration for Democracy (CORD) and on another side are politicians and Members of Parliament from the Jubilee-led government.

But before Kenyans allow themselves to once again get lost in the politics that often overshadows claims of big corruption (Anglo Leasing, Standard Gauge Railway, Lamu) we need to pause and reflect on what the latest scandal says about our respect for the rule of law.

Two questions come to mind. One is the sanctity of legal documents like the title deed. Are such documents safe from corrupt politicians and businessmen?

This is not the first time that court orders are being selectively followed since the new constitution was promulgated four years ago. It sets a dangerous precedent in the country.

The Constitution not only spells out the country's bill of rights and laws of the land, it is also supposed to be the arbiter that ensures that the powerful do not ride roughshod over the weak.

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The fact that a select group of individuals can take it upon themselves to violate the country's sacred laws because of their insatiable greed should worry all of us. This does not exclude government because it is in place by virtue of the same law.

The new allegations of high level corruption and impunity in government should prod the executive, the legislature and the judiciary to smoke out the individuals who are hell-bent on subverting our governance system.

If such impunity is allowed, a dangerous precedent will be set and this is risky as it has the potential reverse the gains that the country has made in cleaning its institutions over the last 15 years.

The Karen land circus unfortunately reminds us there is a time when impunity ruled our land. That there is a time powerful and connected people could grab property and get away with it. This should not be allowed to happen again.