Wetang’ula a promising leader

As political parties entertain intolerance and constantly read the riot act to dissenters, Ford-Kenya, led by Leader of Minority in the Senate Moses Wetang’ula, remains an advocate of true democracy. Every party leader deplores discord and divergent opinion, but their statements fail to express similar concern for the conditions that bring about the resentments. None of them would want to rest content with the superficial kind of social analysis that deals merely with effects and does not grapple with underlying causes.

It is unfortunate that opposition is practical within political parties, but it is worse that their power structure leaves opposers with no panacea but dismissals, threats and rhetoric. Over the years, Wetang’ula has demonstrated abilities and superior intellect in and out of Parliament, with mature and objective debates. He is superbly erudite, brilliant, certifiably articulate, charismatic and thoughtful. He isn’t just precise and capable of holding complex discussions – he is an inimitable wordsmith.

Wetang’ula presented CORD’s position on the controversial Security Laws to the Senate’s floor with precision. He coined a new phrase in September 2013, at the Westgate Mall after the attack by extremists: “We shall neither live in fear nor fear to live.”

When the High Court in Bungoma and Court of Appeal in Kisumu nullified his 2013 senatorial election, he did not postpone the by-election through the Supreme Court. Since he felt the petitioner Musikari Kombo was genuine in his contest on the poll, he agreed to face the electorate.

He triumphed.

Political parties have been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue, as merchants of impunity and ethnic jingoists thrive. And with several parties in Western, Wetang’ula’s home turf, and being the senior-most politician there by virtue of his position in Senate, he practices inclusivity while at the same time reaching across the political divide. He never brands competitors “moles”.

Ford-Kenya, like all other parties, has many pent up issues and frustrations. But Wetang’ula engages in good faith negotiations, avoiding artificial stratifications, social caging and political usury. Everyone with proven ability, integrity and commitment is left to thrive, while the public recognises their innate qualities.

Wetang’ula’s unquestionable abilities, proven tenacity and glorious ideals make him aspire for prominence in CORD and Kenya. He has earned his stripes – so to speak – through his hard work and adherence to the law.

True, our hopes in our political leaders have previously been blasted.But Wetang’ula is promising, and deserves to queue in line for transition.