The frequency in which political parties are formed then deserted, fade into oblivion or die, is both mind boggling and hilarious. Political parties in Kenya are visibly short lived, seasonal, fragile, comical and colourless.
It appears as if there is a political parties’ plague that does not allow parties to thrive in Kenya, and like butterflies, must die once their purpose is realised.
Thus the political parties are obviously not formed as institutions for posterity but as vehicles to propel politicians to power. Like nappies, are quickly discarded once they have performed their function.
At the moment, one cannot tell the number of parties we have in Kenya since they keep popping up like popcorn. Again, you cannot know which parties house specific politicians because akin to grasshoppers, politicians hop from one party to another, adorning different colours, confusing the electorate all the more. Kenya African National Union (Kanu), the oldest political party in Kenya is on its deathbed, and can only survive by some miraculous act. It is now a shadow of its former self and chances of it surviving the turbulent and treacherous political path are slim. The few remaining party’s orphans have been crying miserably, demanding back the red flock, but it seems no one really cares.
The party stewards have never been serious and forthright in managing the affairs of such a great party making ordinary citizens hate the party with a passion. With Kanu’s imminent death, Kenya’s oldest political party might soon be gone, and with it the end of a party that we owe our independence and more to. In comparison, on January 8, 2012, Africa’s largest, oldest and most vibrant political party, the African National Congress (ANC), held her centenary celebrations.
Evidently, political parties in Kenya cannot be placed in the same league with the ANC. But it will amaze many that some prominent Kenyan leaders graced ANC’s occasion. Many would have thought that ANC’s centenary celebrations would provide our politicians with the opportunity to reflect on the significance of political parties in shaping the country’s political, economic and social landscape through posterity. Unfortunately, it seems that no fundamental lessons were learnt by those who attended the celebration.
In Tanzania, CCM has been active since February 1977, and there is no indication the party stewards are about to close shop. As we form political parties, let us think of posterity and not just short-term political gains. They are a reflection of our long term and short-term goals as a nation.
David Sonye, Rarieda
Time to curb gross misconduct in police force
It is nearly five years since the police were indicted for their role in the 2007/08 post-election violence. The force is once again in the news for the wrong reasons: increased cases of indiscipline among its officers. There have been incidents where police mandated with the responsibility of providing security have turned their weapons against innocent Kenyans. Ironically for them, the firearm seems to be their choice weapon when sorting out personal disputes at home and in social places. In addition, the police have been named in theft and rape cases. A number of reasons have been advanced to explain cases of indiscipline – long working hours, poor pay, poor living conditions, poor training, weak disciplinary laws: and, in some cases, the laxity to fully enforce the existing ones. Lax enforcement of the arms-movement is also to blame. It is crucial that a programme is put in place to manage the situation.
Hillary Mageka, Nairobi reasons
Unordered religion is opium of the people
Even as the famous ‘Muthutho Law’ is applied to ensure Kenyans drink wisely, positive results are already being realised from upholding strict ways to manage the consumption of alcohol.
However, what Kenyans have not paid attention to is the equally dangerous effects of unregulated religion. As Karl Marx said, “Religion is the opium of the people”.
How many women and men have disposed off hard earned cash to “plant a seed” for ‘blessings’ that never materialise? It is countless persons that are tithing all they have in expectation of miracles aided by their fire-spitting pastors.
They inevitably neglect their families as they attend endless keshas. As the congregation tithe, some of the pastors laugh all the way to the bank. It is time the Government establishes stringent rules and regulations on Churches before they impoverish gullible and spiritually immature churchgoers. Used wrongly, religion can be as harmful as alcohol.
Mathew Kibe, Kahawa
Let’s find ways to safe driving on Thika highway
It would be prudent that drivers and passengers using Thika superhighway get maximum value out of the billions of shillings that the State has invested in the project. However, the recent fatal accidents on the road have generated debate on the ability of road users’ to utilise the road effectively.
The handling of the finished product by Kenya National Highways Authority and their client, the Ministry of Roads is laid-back. Their lack of preparedness is giving the motoring public a raw deal. They seem too excited about the three-year construction period, which is a means to an end, and not the road’s 50-year usability period. They also seem ill-prepared for what ought to be a giant leap for Kenya’s transport sector.
The traffic police have already stepped in to arbitrarily reduce the speed limit to 50 kilometres per hour as a way of averting accidents. Installation of legible signage on the road to inform and warn those intent on breaking the traffic rules out to be done.
This should be enriched by a multi-media campaign, with a view of inculcating safe road practices in all road users. It is important to note that the road was designed for safe high-speed operation of motor vehicles through elimination of intersections and roundabouts.
Gachuhi Waringa, Via Email
Is Raila being kept on the defensive?
Daggers have been drawn, and knuckles laid bare. The signals are as many as there are presidential candidates. The target and “enemy” is Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Article 138 of the Constitution says that a candidate shall be declared elected as President if the candidate receives more than half of the votes cast in the election, and if they get at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in more than half of the counties.
As matters stand, none of the presidential candidates can marshal the threshold requirement for one to be declared President in round one.
That is why my advice to Mr Barrack Muluka, the man in charge of communications at Raila’s campaign secretariat is that he stops reacting to every barb thrown at his boss. Otherwise, he will simply be messing up Raila’s chances of attaining the presidency.
For if Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Rutto were to separately and simultaneously hold rallies that ‘hit’ at Raila, would he respond to all the ‘attacks’?
And President Kibaki may unknowingly be drawn into this circus by occasionally failing to consult the PM when making key decisions and appointments. The consequence is that Raila is kept on the defensive for the rest of the campaign period. It seems Raila’s competitors aim to scatter his focus so that he has numerous enemies.
Asienwa Bigood, Bunyore
Legislatures, don’t misuse your offices
Reports indicate that when some ministers and Members of Parliament go abroad on official trips they campaign for their political ambitions.
Many are on the spot for wooing the Diaspora for votes as well as asking for financial support when they visit; and not to represent mwananchi or stick to the planned business agenda. This happens irrespective of the fact that they are on official trips funded by hardworking Kenyans.
The authorised election bodies must set clear rules and regulations to avoid unlawful campaigns before this behaviour gets out of hand.
Chweya Iteba, Nairobi
Kill the monster terrorism now
There is no denying that Kenya has become a target for terrorists. In the recent past, a number of grenade attacks have rocked public places, killing and maiming innocent Kenyans. Many people are afraid to venture out in public places: investors too are unsure of whether to invest.
The Government needs to address the reasons Kenya has become an easy target. It promised to erect CCTV cameras in areas likely to experience further attacks. Question is, when will this come into effect? As the number of political campaigns increase, chances of more attacks are bound to rise.
Mathias Masinde, Bungoma
