Leaders pushing Kenya to the brink of conflict

Police disperse a section of hundreds of traders in Nairobi demonstrating against Chinese 'infiltration of Kenya businesses' along Parliament road, Nairobi. February 28, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Our country seems to be sliding into a political crisis as we all watch. However, we have a choice to either accept to be used or resist and protect our motherland.

Chest-thumping by leaders as they take hardline positions for personal interests is deliberately inviting us to chaos that will end up making us more vulnerable to exploitation.

The Church we could have turned to for solace and reconciliation is split and busy mobilising poor citizens to follow either side of the political divide.

At the moment, our spiritual fathers are reading from different political hymn sheets while interpreting Bible verses to suit the affiliation they are sympathetic to. In the recent past, the spiritual leaders have held prayer sessions, one pro-government at at Nyayo Stadium and the other organised by Azimio prayer at Jinvanjee Gardens in the middle Nairobi city.

The prayer warriors beseeched God to unite Kenyans and also prayed that peace prevails among all Kenyans and its leaders. I wonder how they reconcile their prayers with the venom the same leaders spew soon after the prayer sessions. Either side of the political divide doesn't seem to have kind words for the other, and their words border on warmongering.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stunned the country with his declaration that the government was like a company and would first serve the bigger shareholders before thinking of others.

Speaking last Saturday, Azimio's Martha Karua declared she was ready to die over the 'stolen victory' and urged Kenyans to be ready for the same. Positions are being hardened at the expense of our unity and peace.

If Kenya burns today, will these leaders manage to sustain us all? Once law and order break, will they be able to stitch the nation back together? We had a test of instability for a few months in 2008 and we lost lives and properties, most of which we are yet to recover to date.

I hope the International Criminal Court is monitoring our leaders' irresponsible utterances for action in future. Meanwhile, the Church should step in and persuade our leaders to hold talks.

Mr President, Kenya is Kenya because of the prevailing peace and harmony we now seem to be taking for granted. Mr Odinga, you are enjoying huge support because of the peace that we have. If Kenya falls apart, nobody will be there for you to address.

Let us swallow our pride, put Kenya first and be ready to talk. Let us not destroy our country as we watch and cheer on irresponsible leaders.

Mr Omanga is a media practitioner. [email protected]