Return of dirty politics in Kenya as rivals pitch campaigns

Nandi County Chief of Staff Timon Kosgei being wheeled to the Kapsabet District Hospital for First Aid before being airlifted to Nairobi for treatment.

NAIROBI KENYA: The return of political intolerance and an old brand of dirty politics highlighted by threats, open violence and generous use of foul language against opponents is a reality Kenyans may soon have to confront or live with the damning consequences such as a toll on national cohesion

The political temperatures have risen as some governors and Opposition leaders led by Raila Odinga separately push for a referendum with President Uhuru Kenyatta's ruling Jubilee coalition terming the move a waste of time and a political gimmick devised by losers to remain relevant.

The high stakes game of violent politics with shades of blackmail, political zoning, outright incitement and belligerence and even gunfights and scuffles has already made the authorities worried.

The return of political turbulence comes at a time when the statutory body required to check politicians' utterances is still grappling with a shaky transition and queries about its independence.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, hitherto the monitoring agency for hate politics in Kenya, is in limbo as its newly-appointed leader does not have the legal authority to tame the politicians and enforce cohesion. His team is also yet to be sworn in, although this may be done this week, according to Government sources.

Yesterday, Francis Kaparo indicated he will be sworn in next Monday but said he said he was worried with the trend of violence in politics.

"As a person, I am very concerned," was all Kaparo could say when contacted.

He pledged to take a firm position as soon as he gets all the power to tame hate-speech and spearhead national cohesion.

The spotlight has now shifted to the police officers who have failed to stop the violence that to date has been reported in political meetings in Migori (which took place in the presence of the President), Machakos, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Makueni, Narok, Marsabit and Isiolo counties.

At the weekend, armed police stopped youths who wanted to disrupt a pro-referendum rally in Nakuru County led by the chair of the Council of Governors Isaac Ruto and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Their handling of the Mpeketoni killings – the quick arrest of Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, rushed charges in court, and finally an acquittal for flimsy evidence — heightened political overtones in Coast region.

However, yesterday, the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo talked tough regarding the political violence and promised to crack down on all the law breakers.

"Times have changed and we cannot allow political hooliganism to come back or be the order of the day. Police officers have instructions to deal with such incidents promptly without fear or favour. So far, where such intolerance has been witnessed, we are taking action on those involved," the IG said.

Arrests have been made in Makueni and Nandi counties, and the suspects will be charged in court.

"We will not allow it and let none be used to commit such incidents. Even those armed are warned and they know how to use their weapons," said Kimaiyo.

The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity Johnson Sakaja (nominated) and member Francis Mwangangi (Yatta) are also worried about the runaway intolerance and the potential for political violence in the heated campaigns for or against referendum.

Mr Sakaja, who is in New York with President Uhuru Kenyatta for the UN General Assembly, told The Standard that his team was alarmed at the rising tension as a result of intolerance.

"We have been very concerned about the intolerance of all forms, be it religious, ethnic, political," said Sakaja.

The House team, which comprises Senators and MPs, had commissioned a full report on the status of the intolerance. The report is due next week.

Mr Mwangangi said the politicians simply have to "grow up" and "be responsible".

"We can have all the bodies, and all the laws, but if we have politicians and other leaders making irresponsible utterances, people will still be polarised," said Mwangangi in an interview with The Standard.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, former Justice Minister Martha Karua and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale advised that State has to investigate the upsurge in violence at political meetings to see if there was a pattern.

The trio, who turned to social media to state their case, said those behind the violence must be unmasked,

"There is too much destabilising politics in our region that appears well co-ordinated. We need to ask ourselves who are behind all these," Mutua wrote on his Facebook page.

Martha Karua, one of those politicians who fought for liberties now enshrined in the Constitution, said the level of political intolerance typical of a one-party state witnessed in the 1990s appears to be "creeping back".

"We must invest in promoting a culture of tolerance of divergent views and respect for one another even in the face of differences. On whose behalf were those fighting in Nandi and Makueni counties acting? Will the culprits and their sponsors be brought to account?" asked Karua.

In Western Kenya, a governor, senator and MPs have asked the Government to check the misuse of guns by those who are allowed to carry them.

Citing the Makueni County shoot-out last Tuesday where six people were shot and seriously injured, the leaders said that the violence witnessed in the country could spill into referendum campaigns if the Government does not step in and end the situation.

Led by Council of Governors Whip Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, MPs Ayub Savula (Lugari), John Serut (Mt. Elgon), John Bunyasi (Nambale) and Andrew Toboso (Butere), the leaders said guns should not be misused by politicians. 

"We condemn the violence witnessed in Makueni. Elected leaders should behave in a civilised way when they conduct their activities and learn to be tolerant and appreciate each other views. Officers have been taught when to remove their guns,'' said Bungoma Governor.

Lusaka and Savula asked leaders to concentrate on their jobs as provided in the Constitution and avoid interfering in others people's mandates.

"We are concerned that the Government is slow in dealing with those misusing their guns. The officers should have shot in the air, not at the residents. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph ole Lenku should come out clearly and address the issue,'' said Khaniri.

Savula asked Kenya Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission to investigate Makueni leaders, stressing that it was a political matter that should be handled carefully.

"There are persistent wrangles in Makueni and President Uhuru Kenyatta should suspend its operations until matters are resolved,'' said Savula.

By Alphonce Shiundu, Cyrus Ombati, Grace Wekesa, Alex Wakhisi