Constructive politics makes sense only if it unites a nation

By Machel Waikenda

Twitter @MachelWaikenda

Kenya’s politics has for long been characterised by personality attacks, propaganda and hate speech, a development that does not auger well for a growing democracy.

This is especially so in the period before and after an electioneering period, especially in the last decade. In fact, one of my favourite quotes by T.H White so goes that is: “The destiny of man is to unite, not to divide. If you keep on dividing you end up as a collection of monkeys throwing nuts at each other out of separate trees.”

I heard old men say if there is no enemy within, the enemy without, if any, cannot succeed in hurting us. This is one trait sorely missing from Kenya’s leadership. One can easily predict what one’s stand would be on any particular issue by just discerning which part of the political spectrum, he or she belongs to.

We tend to throw reason out of the window and take entrenched stands positions on issues simply to suit our political persuasions.

For Kenya to mature democratically, our politics must incorporate tolerance, understanding, positive criticism but above all, mutual respect. This way, the daily exchanges we witness be they at funerals, rallies, the National Assembly and Senate plenaries and press conferences on a daily basis would become a thing of the past. We shall have reached political and social maturation.

There is no doubt that Kenya is blessed with dynamic, intelligent and progressive leaders. However, the downside is that a large segment of them spend their time utilising negative energy instead of positive energy that would see this country realise the tremendous development agenda lying that is before us.

What lack of tolerance for each other’s views and choices can do was sadly witnessed in the 1980s and 1990s when any divergent opinion was seek seen as a threat to the leadership establishment and was countered ruthlessly.

But, in much the same vein, the 2007/08 post-election violence could have been avoided, if Kenyans were tolerant of each other for in our diversity is an unchained beauty and strength that can be harnessed to benefit the whole country. But the violence happened erupted, and was allowed to run its destructive course, just because leaders have for long invested in negative ethnicity for the sole purpose of protecting their interests without regard to the greater national good. With the realisation of the new constitutional order, Kenyans expect more tolerance and respect for each other regardless of one’s political stand.

It is wrong that five months after the General Election, our leaders, especially those in the opposition, are still stuck to the hard-line political positions pits that permeated defined the electioneering period. This must come to an end. And it can only happen if it begins with our leaders.

They must realise that they are not just mere politicians but role models who millions of Kenyans look upon to offer hope and inspire inspiration so that they Kenyans can achieve their dreams.

We need to invest in issue-based and problem-solving politics rather than pursuit of narrow sectarian interests. That way, instead of seeking ethnic and class gratification, our politicians would be keen on creating institutions that that can achieve the country’s social, political and economic aspirations.

It is sad that on our Golden Jubilee anniversary, we are still taking about issues such as poverty, hunger, disease and ignorance, which we could have long been done with, were it largely not for our divisive politics. 

Kenya needs leadership that is progressive and liberal. We need a leadership that is able to not just look think outside the proverbial box, but be rid of the box entirely and is able to embrace everybody regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religious or political orientation. 

Kenya needs servant leadership and not leaders who wake up every day to bent on pursue pursuit of personal gratification.  Sadly, that is what we are witness every to daily.

The writer is the TNA Director of Communications