All said, nothing done

By Chiquitta

Quite unlike the pomp, sweat and tears that marked her entry, Kingwa Kamencu’s exit from the political race was a quiet affair — a dud, which did not even have the poetic whimper. She was one of the many young candidates who fell by the wayside, in an election that, ironically, is being lauded as one for the youth.

With campaign machines in place, and churning out moolah like legal tender is going to run out of fashion (one camp reportedly has a quarter of a billion to splash), all Kamencu did was to look good then exit!

Anyway, reports have it too that yet another popular hit maker is being courted for his jams. That, unfortunately, seems to be the far that we will go. Why? You ask. Because deals have already been sealed, we are off the runway.

This is the talking point: When former Big Brother Africa representative and actress, Millicent Mugendi, sailed through in her nominations she stood out like a sore thumb in an industry that is otherwise known for being vocal in all social spheres other than where it matters most. Former pioneer comedian-turned politician KJ, was trounced in what may have been the biggest disappointment for many a youthful politician. Ringtone gave up without a fight, when he pulled out earlier on.

In 2007, the likes of KJ, Mighty King Kong, Kajairo and others lined up to be the change they wanted to see. However, it all ended up in a major disappointment when they were all floored at the nominations stage — almost to a man. Perhaps it is because of this that they have decided to observe that safe distance this time.

The only notable Pulsaters were the running mates picked by some presidential candidates; a 30-something-year-old and another reported 29-year-old.

Artistes, however, remain vocal, at least those not cutting mega million deals, in recording a prevalent sub-genre now known as ‘peace songs’. It is the safe thing to do now.

A certain, rarely cerebrally lucid, blogger even went as far as taunting the phenomenal singer, Eric Wainaina.

“Eric Wainaina must be hiding somewhere waiting for violence so he can make money “singing for peace.” went the needless Twitter rant in an attempt to put a point across.

Actually, there are many ‘peace songs’; tracks by Dogo Biggie, Nyota Ndogo, Rufftone... Name them! Even our national teams’ players are involved in peace adverts on TV. Nothing wrong there.

What the blogger failed to realise is that Daima Mkenya was recorded way before the 2007 madness. Wainaina did not ‘wait for violence’ to make it an anthem that brought Kenya together.

But then again, this is a man who is one doctor’s test away from confirming our biggest psychiatric fears; this is a man who, in what was supposed to mobilise the usually indolent middle-class, prayed that the residents of a certain neighbourhood be sexually violated, and has no qualms posting compromising pictures alleging they belong to writers of rival websites. I digress.

With no artiste bold enough to endorse anyone, and little to show in terms of participation, it is safe to say that this elections are — once again — about Pulsers and Pulsaters shouting themselves hoarse in the rain as they cheer on the same old leaders. When will we ever learn?