Why it is the opportune time for Kenyans in Diaspora to influence the political scene

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Having had a tempestuous, turbulent and violent political period in Kenya for the last nine or so months, it is the ideal moment for Kenyans to create time for introspection.

We must reflect on the long political journey we have been on, so as to have a better outlook and prospect for the future.

The old adage ‘every dark cloud has a silver lining’ confirms to Kenyans that despite the cagy moments that we have been through, the future remains bright.

This is neccessary in helping us determine outcomes in the future.

As a Kenyan living in the diaspora and quite passionate about my country, I would like to cross over from the usual political rhetoric in my country and focus on a ‘political district’ that has been given a soupcon of attention with regards to politics and governance in Kenya and Kenyans in diaspora.

It is no secret that voting in Kenya has been preceded by wrong mindsets, misleading information innuendos, propaganda and lack of awareness among the masses and this has been a major source of real and imagined conflicts in the political landscape.

There are overriding reasons why Kenyans living in the diaspora have the golden opportunity to be counted in determining the direction the country will take despite the cold shoulder from the state on their critical role.

First, Kenyans in diaspora have a unique and requisite combination of being in third party positions with deep interests in the welfare and ultimate success of the country.

ETHNIC BIGOTS

The political scenario in Kenya is commonly consternated by two fiercely opposing sides, which I have to mention are the same faces over the years, with different political vehicles (not parties).

This, therefore, presents a very odd situation for those in Kenya who have to pay allegiance to ethnic bigots and forget the voice of reason each time they make decisions that regard the future of the country.

Kenyans in diaspora have the rare chance bring in a different perspective not only to the leaders but to the people and with the current technologically advanced globe; they can do this in many ways than one.

I believe that this third perspective will be the one of reason and sagacity. Those who read scientific books know that when two opposing sides argue, they recede to the survival mode and hence base their reasoning on the need to survive and in politics, this will be the need to lead or have cronies or tribal bigots lead.

Second, Kenyans in diaspora are exposed, knowledgeable and experienced on issues to do with governance with a good percentage living in politically advanced countries.

Some of them also live in countries that are still grappling with governance issues, but they have the opportunity to compare and contrast hence they know the benefits of good governance or lack of it.

RIGHT MINDSET

Such people have the opportunity to influence decision making even on a smaller scale and they also have the rare opportunity to offer an alternative leadership when they decide to do so.

It is imperative to note that some have gone back to such positions of power and gotten immersed in the system of destructive and regressive politics but we have to accept that with the right mindset, principles and determination, those who go back have the cradle for transformation of society even if on an individual basis.

Third, Kenyans in diaspora have unrestricted access to information and they also have the ability to disseminate the same.

Availability of information has the capacity to change the world and in this case it can change Kenya.

Kenyans in diaspora can use various information channels to influence situations without fear of intimidation and if convincingly and positively used, it will provide the much needed change.

Finally, Kenyans in the diaspora have an unexploited pool of knowledge, experience and expertise.

This is a bloc that has some of the most learned people with varied fields of expertise with the ability to pull together and make decisions that will have massive and extensive bearing on the political situation.

There are numerous economic, social and political ways of achieving this which I intend to expound on soon.

One may want to ask why this has not been the case in over 50 years of independence and I would naively say it is because of unwillingness, exploitation of ethnic loyalties and disunity, ignorance, lack of proper recognition and appreciation from the governments, lack of definite channels and challenges in the diaspora.

But we can overcome, Kenya needs us now