News 2005

MAYBE you have read the old fable about the scorpion and the frog, which illustrates how man’s nature is much more devious and controlling than his logic.

The fable explains how one day a scorpion arrived at the bank of a river he wanted to cross, but there was no bridge. He asked the frog that was sitting nearby if he would take him across the river on his back. The frog refused and said “I will not, because you will sting me.” The scorpion replied, “It would be foolish for me to sting you because then we would both drown.”

The frog saw the logic in the scorpions words, and agreed to carry the scorpion across. But when they were halfway across the river the scorpion stung the frog. The stunned frog asked ”why did you sting me? Now we will both die!” The scorpion replied, “ because I am a scorpion… And that is what scorpions do. (Need I say more…?) And just like no one can change his skin, or the leopards its spots; neither can good come from those who are accustomed to doing evil.

Doing good does not depend on being “politically correct.” But sad to say churches and church leaders today are more concerned about being “politically correct” than they are about being “biblically correct.” They change the name of sins to justify people’s sinful behaviour; and are non-committal when they should be, because they are more concerned about the approval of man than they are about the approval of God.

On the current constitutional debate the government is partisan, the president too and neither is the church neutral. Interestingly it is the church leaders who appear hypocritical as they watch their flock being led into the valley of death mounted by the scorpions.

Can they afford to continue the pretence of sitting on the fence? In the last 33 months of Narc administration, we have seen—no matter how good, how noble, how educated, how refined, or how sophisticated our leaders may be, they’re all human.

Like the leopard that cannot change its spots, neither can they change their nature. But whether we have been compromised or otherwise, we owe it to our consciousness and to the future generations, to be highly contemplative of these facts whenever we find ourselves in voting booths.

Let us spare a thought and ask ourselves why the president is not providing the leadership when it is most needed? Why is there so much political uncertainty, insecurity, violence, arrogance, impunity and deliberate contravention of the lands laws? Why should Narc fail when it should succeed? Why is poverty on the increase among our people? Why are important government organs pulling in opposite directions? Why are our leaders unable to carry themselves with the decorum accorded to them? And why has the cabinet not met for so long?

Don’t we feel ashamed, degraded, depraved, putrefied and dehumanized by the retrogressive acts of a section of our society; still enslaved in archaic tribal oathing rituals, initiation rites and circumcision of women in this century? And for what cause are they pledging allegiance fort two years after independence? Where are those people in the thousands who have taken these oaths? Who are they against? Is it the fellow Kenyans of other ethnic backgrounds?

Could this be the source of confidence for the arrogance and impunity being displayed by ethnic manipulative politicians? And could facilitation and adherence to ethnic militias be the reason some high-ranking officials are being shunned by some western countries?

Do Kenyans deserve government officials who call press conferences to deny Kenya is not a corrupt failed state or undemocratic, while on the same breath threatening Kenyans with “mpende msipende, the Constitution is a government project,” “kwani tume kula mbuzi wa nani”etc. Ministers who peddle unsubstantiated claims against international institutions?

Kenya may not be a failed state, but at this rate it is not far off from it. It is clear the faith we had in Narc for a new beginning upon ascending to power was misplaced. We thought we had made strides on democratic reforms, and were geared towards a healing process for the past ills committed in this nation. Today, this zeal has been replaced by cynicism and apathy. Official investigations into allegations of corruption and other wrongdoing have ended up in vain. We wrongly believed that accountability would become part of our democracy, but we have been proved wrong. No matter how badly our leaders behave or how loud we call for their resignation, they just sit tight and ride out the storm with the help of the state machinery. Kibaki is partly responsible for this cynicism. It is hypocritical for our leaders to hold an olive branch in the left hand while the right holds a sword. All we see of them is bitter envy and self-seeking attitude as they thump their chests and mask the truth. They are partial and have become judges with evil thoughts. They have become blasphemous to the noble names they are called.

In a record three weeks, Kibaki and his allies have shown how ready they are to manipulate and abuse the law for their own benefit. They cajoled councillors with a promise to increase their pay, pledged written guarantees on jobs for chiefs, resettled thousands of Mau Forest evictees, rescinded decision to evict thousands of squatters from Kipkurere Forest, handed title deeds to Ogiek community, degazetted Amboseli National Park, handing it over to the local council. They have also reversed the law on sub-division of plots of less than two-and-half acres, caged legislators and journalists; and capped it all with a Ksh100 million allocation of state funds for the construction of State House residence for the president.

While we all acknowledge that a Constitution by itself is not a panacea to all our problems, it is suicidal to accept a flawed and contradictory document because we have been bribed, intimidated, manipulated or otherwise. Yes, there is the cost factor, but again we have had Goldenberg and Anglo-Leasing etc. It is impossible for Kenyans to come up with a suitable Constitution now, and the only logical thing to do is to shelve the whole process until heads cool off and common sense takes hold.

And since the politicians do not see it this way, it is upon Kenyans of goodwill to redirect the reforms agenda with a resounding 'No' on November 21. And no matter which camp wins, the next logical thing should be an immediate national election.

We should be aware that tragedies thrive in missed opportunities and leaders are lost in short-sighted dreams and schemes. Not only is the Wako Draft flawed, it is highly contradictory. Just sample this: “The Provincial Administration which comprises PCs, DCs, DOs, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and village elders will be retained and these officials will be known by a name known 'only' to John Michuki.”

Dupery doesn’t get better than this, because according to section 23 (1) of the same Draft, the Provincial Administration ceases to exist, period! Fellow Kenyans, something is not quite right here. But someday and probably sooner than we think, we will look back at this particular time in our country’s history and wonder how we ever got along with such determined hostile devious forces amongst and against us. Our country is surely at crossroads at this moment in time.

And equally important are the experiences of a nation whose development record in the last four decades, invoke memories of a nation which has gone through boom times and recession, political turmoil, personal despair and loss, personal triumph and collective despair. It is perhaps fitting that we prepare for the future as we preserve the past in our memories. There are lessons to be learned from our history. But there is also every reason to move forward with sobriety and sincerity. Can we?

Yes, if Kenyans realise the need for a stable and reliable government. Yes if they use their democratic rights wisely and soberly to ensure they can embark upon their future in confidence. Kenyans must free their minds and break away from confining outdated political and ethnicity ideologies that no longer work.

The author is a KENYA TIMES staff writer e-mail: nzomi@yahoo.com

OGIEK HOME