Next poll offers chance to correct past blunders

By Maurice Odhiambo

When Kenyans went to the General Election in December 2007, nobody could have predicted that five years later, we would still be nursing the wounds of an election that went awry.

Kenya’s democratic development faced an immense stumbling block in the immediate aftermath of the election, proof that highly charged elections could mean the difference between life and death for innocent Kenyans.

Because of the destruction caused by the post-election violence, the economy is still struggling to reach the 7 per cent peak it touched in 2007, and hundreds of Kenyans are still living as refugees and internally displaced persons, with the latter category still living in camps in their own country.

As far as democracy goes, we were in serious breach of the fundamentals. We spoke words we could not take back, we wrote words that were indelible, and we pushed the limits of tolerance and triggered reactions that sparked a hatred that spread like wild bush fire.

The greater good of the nation was sacrificed at the altar of selfish interests by the political elite. At the end of the day, the nation could not determine who had won or lost the election, particularly at the presidential level. Egged on by the confusion and exigencies of the moment, citizens engaged in wanton killing and destruction of property, setting the country and specific households on fire.

Five years on and we are once again tasked with the sensitive and crucial democratic duty of deciding our future leadership, deciding the Kenya we want and charting a course for future generations. The last time we were in this position we failed ourselves, our country and our neighbours.

Thankfully, we have another chance to correct our past mistakes. This time, we must ensure the rule of law is adhered to by all, regardless of political, ethnic or economic standing. Any breach of the rule of law needs to be investigated and necessary measures taken to ensure we do not return to what was Kenya’s darkest hour. Like a proud bride who has guarded her honour, we must present ourselves to the world as a nation deserving of respect; a nation that understands and respects that democracy is not reserved for some, but for all.

Full democracy

The beauty of a democracy lies not only in the freedoms it accords its people, but in its citizens being aware of the power they wield; power that should be used to propel a country to realise its full potential in political, economic and social progress. As a democratic nation, it is also imperative we learn our rights and obligations as far as elections are concerned. Information has become increasingly accessible with technological advancements. However, for those without such access, various ongoing civic education opportunities will attempt to bridge the information gap especially if well funded. An informed public makes for a better electorate.

Our active participation, either in our individual capacities or collectively as a nation, in issues that shape our country is an important step towards becoming an electorate that is unified in purpose and in action. Unity translates to conscientiously protecting each other from harm, being mindful of each other’s property and upholding the dignity of all life.

This kind of thinking ensures we do not succumb to misleading calls to burn down property, loot and maim. Even if for a particular reason we are not agreeable with the views of a certain political camp, we should remember everyone has the right to vote, run for office and speak about public issues. Without this intense sense of tolerance for one another, democratic efforts are futile.

As the civil society, our role goes beyond keeping Government institutions on their toes to ensure accountability. We work tirelessly to shape policy and in that way, impact on what ultimately is presented to the people as policy options and programmes. Our work does not therefore stop at criticism of what is on offer from the Government to the citizenry, but involves active engagement with the policy options. We hold dearly to constitutional values such as respect for the rule of law, separation of powers and promotion of justice. Flowing from these values, we will endeavor to lobby for transparency in all practices for the purpose of accountability, responsiveness and inclusion of the public in matters that concern their wellbeing.

We desire a peaceful Kenya and a strong democracy that unites its people, and brings down tribal, religious, linguistic, political and other identity barriers. We have the potential and resources to steer this nation to greater heights.

The writer is the president of the National Civil Societies Congress