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The big problem with our country
Publication Date: 1/27/2008
One great Nigerian scholar wrote a book: The Problem with
Nigeria. He says the problem is not its air, people, or weather.
But Nigeria suffered and continues to suffer due to other
completely different reasons.
Similarly, Kenya suffers today as a result of many complex factors.
We have, since time immemorial, had land problems, unemployment,
favouritism, tribal antagonism, foreign interests, regional
problems, etc
A mass of unemployed people is very dangerous; a mass of poor
people is worse while a mass of young unemployed and poor young
people is simply terrible. And when you have a large pool of
educated, unemployed and hopeless people, it is a signal there is
a catastrophe on the way.
Spice this up with endless political fights, then you simply
forget you have a country. Many may not see it this way but,
unfortunately, it is the reality. Kenyans need to be wary. It
should be in their minds that statehood can be easily destroyed;
that it is easy to start a war and difficult to end or prevent its
recurrence.
To deal with this situation, we must reform our constitution;
create employment opportunities; ensure fair distribution of
resources; and reform the Electoral Commission of Kenya. We must
make peace and restore hope and justice. This is no time to take
sides.
The solution coming out of the peace talks must be one which
guarantees fairness, justice and restoration of peace. We must
guarantee posterity a better future. After all Kenya is greater
than all in it.
Unless present day leaders rise to the occasion, they will forever
be condemned. They have the destiny of the country in their hands
and must act in the right direction. Kenyans expect nothing less
than this.
Harrison M. Ikunda, Nairobi.
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