Kalenjin MPs should not let their frustrations break ODM

By Edward Kisiang’ani

Over the past one year, the relationship between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Agriculture Minister William Ruto has deteriorated.

Through their respective supporters, the two ODM leaders have cultivated an intricate political conflict that could easily exacerbate ethnic tension.

Although Raila’s supporters have been restrained in criticising the Eldoret North MP, Ruto’s followers have been extremely vocal. Except for nominated MP Musa Sirma, majority of the Kalenjin legislators have gradually developed hatred for the man they supported so devotedly only 22 months ago. But what is critical to me is not the depth of the hatred but the reasons for the Kalenjin revulsion for Agwambo.

The fundamental problem of the Kalenjin MPs is what psychologists describe as paranoia. Given that most of them were either civil servants or ministers under the Kanu system and considering one of their own was president for 24 years, these legislators live in constant fright that, one day, somebody is going to expose their past activities.

post-election violence

Besides rejecting Raila for supporting implementation of the Waki Report on the post-election violence, they have also admonished him for supporting the eviction of Mau Forest settlers. Further, they accuse the PM of failing to appoint their kinsmen in government.

But how can this country move forward when it continues to provide a safe haven for those who steal, kill, maim or destroy property? Last year’s poll violence is not the only one we have had since 1963.

In Western Province, for example, hundreds of people ejected from the Rift Valley and the Mt Elgon area, in the 1990s, are yet to return home.

They still leave as internally displaced persons at market centres in the province.

When they trashed the Waki Report, Kalenjin MPs impeded efforts to find a permanent solution to ethnic hostilities. Once you protect those who commit murder, you also become a proponent of impunity. If this is what Raila should do to secure the Rift Valley vote, he can as well forget about becoming our President.

Although experts warned that the continuous intrusion on the Mau would create an environmental catastrophe, some Kalenjin MPs resisted the expulsion of illegitimate occupants.

Even if the MPs have finally consented to the evictions, they have blackmailed Parliament to ratify compensation for those who grabbed land around the water tower.

Going by their threats, some Rift Valley MPs have decided to support Ruto for the 2012 General Election. However, the hallucination that Ruto could be the next President is rather shocking. Maybe we have a short memory. In comparison with Raila, Ruto has no reform credentials.

While Ruto was an ultra-conservative Kanu supporter and leading member of the Youth for Kanu (YK) ‘92, Raila was a quintessential revolutionary fighting for change. Before we allow him to contest for president in 2012, we should first ascertain that Ruto is no longer the YK ‘92 operative we knew some two decades ago.

cantankerous mps

Even though he appreciates the overwhelming support these cantankerous MPs accorded him during the last polls, Raila must be extremely humiliated that they keep reminding him about the backing he knows too well about.

It is against African traditions to assist a friend and keep referring to it in every bar, school, church or public gathering.

I suppose most Kenyans are probably tired with relentless threats that some Kalenjin would either withdraw from ODM or shelve their support for the PM. This intimidation is frivolous and infantile.

Looking at the past records of these lawmakers, we are left wondering if they have ever made a significant contribution in the fight against impunity, corruption, and tribalism. Time has come for us to interrogate the role these leaders played in enhancing the unfair distribution of national resources.

Instead of issuing obscure threats, the legislators should instantaneously withdraw their support for Raila by joining a party that will embrace their political intrigues and their exaggerated egos.

They should, however, bear in mind that Kenya will always be bigger than any one ethnic community.

—The writer ([email protected]) teaches at Kenyatta University.