Preach about change of attitude then consider electoral reforms

 “What has the clamour for multiparty democracy taught us?” asked a friend of mine the other day. “That new dawns can be false beginnings,” I said, copying a phrase I read somewhere. In truth, the growing resentment among the people is symptomatic of the disillusionment as the promise of transformation withers. I have spent the past week thinking about the scenarios we face; there are those who think the reform journey is over. That we reached the destination in 2002 with the dethroning of Kanu; yet there are those who think the journey is halfway done.

Let me speak to the latter group. In Europe, liberal democracy did not start by legislation but reformation of the church. If Kenya or Africa must also free itself from the bondage of ethnic chauvinism and corruption, then the European model might work. After the 2017 General Election, it has become clearer that new laws will not guarantee electoral reforms. We first need to reform our inner thinking and accept to learn to trust each other. This week after receiving a copy of the report by the 2017 EU Elections Observation Mission, several things went through my mind. I know many Kenyans are relieved that the electioneering period is behind them. Even threats by Raila Odinga to swear himself in next week probably do not sound believable, and many consider it a bluff.