Tribal politics might make Kenya another Hotel Rwanda

Time has come for Africa to enter the annals of inventions. Having experimented with the western democracy for so long and failed miserably, we cannot live in denial any more. The mzungu version of democracy is totally wrong, especially for Kenya.

With each of the 42 tribes itching to take charge of State House while spewing venom against the others, this country could disintegrate into smithereens if common sense does not prevail.

Watching preparations for the next elections by various tribal based-political parties is scary enough and offers a bird’s eye view of Armageddon.

Fundamentally, the presidential election is always the main bone of contention. Suddenly, the Independent, Electoral and Boundaries Commission becomes a demon, while accusations about rigging fill the atmosphere.

In Kenya, a presidential candidate can only lose due to rigging. We are at the breaking point and something must give. We are headed into the next General Election, with candidates promising dire consequences if they lose. There is no predictability on the future of the nation anymore.

Kenyans need to invent a home-grown governance system that ensures the survival of this country and which the rest of the world may adopt in future.

One of the most viable and predictable paths would be a rotational presidency of a five-year-term each. This is a desirable compromise, and other things constant, offers guarantee that even an El Molo could one day rule Kenya.

The other model which is workable through great consensus, compromise and patriotism is joint presidency. Each one of the 42 tribes should offer their man or woman to represent them so that the nation ends up with a committee of 42 presidents.

Among them they can select five on a rotational basis to be signing international treaties and lead national functions.

This model offers a sense of belonging and ownership of Kenya, motivation for patriotism as well as brotherhood.

Further it demystifies the presidency and reduces its attractiveness. On the flip side, it reduces the competition for State House into an intra-tribal affair as opposed to a national one.

A tribe will rarely annihilate itself even under the worst of circumstances. This then means that the nation, which is made of tribes, will survive beyond the next 200 years.

Only ordinary Kenyans can help change the course of this nation. The ruling class is busy protecting its own interests and cares less about the nation’s survival. It’s either this or will we end up with another Hotel Rwanda.