Inclusive Jubilee Government key to curb ethnicity

President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Kenya Military Academy, Nakuru on November 30, 2017. (Photo:Kipsang Joseph/standard)

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pledge during his second inauguration, that he will devote his time and energy to build bridges and unite all Kenyans is welcome at a time the country is divided along tribal and political lines. Indeed, his inauguration came at a time Kenya is facing the biggest test on whether to remain together as one Republic or split into small entities as proposed by some political players. In democratic societies, the main connection voters have with their rulers is the ballot box. In this regard NASA, which commands a large political base, is right to feel slighted by Kenyatta’s inauguration since they did not participate in the repeat election on grounds that there was a predetermined outcome.

This has forced the opposition to resort to unconstitutional attempts to achieve their objectives, like the threat to swear-in Raila on Jamhuri Day, December 12, and form a parallel government. Also, Kenyatta’s inauguration came at a time two petitions calling for the splitting of the country have been floated. One is sponsored by Homa Bay MP (ODM) Peter Kaluma and seeks secession of 40 counties from the 47 to form the People’s Republic of Kenya on grounds of marginalisation.