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| KIBAKI, RAILA COALITION IN CRISIS AGAIN |
2/16/2010 |
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I write as someone who is neutral and true to my calling as a Minister of the gospel. My primary responsibility is to preach the gospel of the truth to the congregation of Kenyans God has given to me and I have discharged those responsibilities with precise judgment and accuracy to the best of my ability and knowledge as God helps me.
Having worked several years in the past as a Journalist both in Nigeria and internationally in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands; I became a publisher of worldwide read magazine called the Voice news magazine in the Netherlands (www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com). I am obliged to comment on the trend of political uncertainty in Kenya and the dangerous trend that it may take if it is not properly addressed. During my years of practice as a Journalist, I traveled to countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone and witnessed first hand the politics which led to the civil wars in both countries. You all are familiar with the out of those wars and the damaged done to both countries; the honest truth is that the crisis started in similar fashion like that of Kenya where politicians could not dialogue and iron out their differences.
I have lived in Kenya for almost three years now and I witnessed the elections of 2007; I don’t want to bore you with the details of what transpired at that elections but the result of that election gave birth to a coalition government rather than a government of the peoples’ choice.
What we have in Kenya is an abnormality and nobody should forget that this is not an idea situation to run a country; having said this then it is logical that all those involved must be careful as to what decision (s) they make or take and how it affects the country in general.
You may not want to agree with me but the fact is that both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are ‘tribal leaders’ in quote. They seem to represent the silent voice of millions of people from their various regions of the country and so whatever action they take trigger off infighting and acrimony among the populace.
On the issue at stake with the suspension of two ministers over allegations of fraudulent practices in their various ministries; the mere fact that the act was in connection with corruption should have attracted a different reaction from the presidency. At least to show that this government is working together but it is obvious that the government is not working together so I wonder who they are working for then. From the body languages and things being expressed by the various political divide; it is obvious that none of the two principal wants this government to succeed and if that is the case; why put it together in the first place?
One ordinary man on the street put it like this in his reaction to the present statement with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga. “Obviously the Kibaki ministers were suspended when they caught stealing public money and he, Raila tried to stop the looting but who is he to dare think about honesty in Government. Raila’s attempt should never be allowed because politicians have the RIGHT to steal and loot in Kenya and any actions to stop it runs counter to the policy of the men on top in the Presidency”. If this is the thinking of the ordinary man on the street; then this government if they have any moral dignity should all resign and go home and call for a fresh start.
I have been reading within the line comments by some section of politicians to suggest that Raila Odinga is being supported or sponsor by the Americans, Britons and the rest of the west is ‘dangerous and counter productive’ for Kenya who has enjoyed the support of these countries despite all levels of corruption and mismanagement leveled against Kenya. I begin to see that many are trying to bite the finger that has fed them.
Every one, those on the side of President Kibaki, or Prime Minister Raila Odinga or William Ruto or Professor Ongiri for that matter to be careful with comments they make into public ears. The majority of the people are poor, hungry and thirsty and any of these lose talks could trigger off a bigger crisis. I pray it does not happen but mere wishes don’t make things happen except actions through collective accountability and that is lacking right now in Kenya.
Can this leaders should character and rise above party sentiments and show the nation they are true leaders worthy to be remembered in the course of history.
This wind blowing with the current crisis does no one any good rather it may bring the nation of Kenya on its’ kneels. What if Kofi Annan turned down the request to come and intervene again? What if African Union chooses to abandon Kenya in its crisis?
Have any one stop to think about that for a second? The attitude that someone will come to our rescue must stop.
The words of John Githiongo still rang in my ears long before I came to Kenya. He made this statement “If I am a traitor for fighting corruption so be it. I cannot apologize for that. A thief is not a lesser thief because he comes from your own tribe.” Turning to his Kikuyu kinsmen he warned that a few old men, courtesy of their arrogance and corruption, were fast turning them, Kikuyus, into a sort of pariah tribe in the country. Although many might have taken his words not as seriously as they should, his prophesy is fast becoming the reality.
If I understand the disagreement between President Kibaki’s government and that his partner, Prime Minister Raila Odinga is how to fight corruption in a system where they surround themselves with ‘loyalists’?
You can’t run a successful government like this or where it is being seen as a Kikuyu – Luo alliance in fighting corruption – the only way this war could be won is when all forces are combined to deal with corruption no matter whose party or tribe involved. I wonder what would have happened if the two supposed suspended ministers where from the Prime Minister’s party or the other party? We probably have a war in our hands right now.
Whatever the Prime Minister or the President motives are, let us realized that only a country in peace and prosperity can the leaders enjoy governing the people. No president wants to be president over a nation at war.
The violence that took the lives of over a 1000 people in 2007 to 2008 seem not to have served as an enough lesion for Kenyan leaders; more than half a million people displayed and while they fight now; many people are still displaced and if they allow this current crisis to degenerate into a collapse of this government; I pray that Kenya do not go the ways of Sudan, Uganda, Somalia or even Democratic Republic of Congo?
The pain of it all is that as a young man growing up, Kenya was referred to as one of Africa’s most stable democracy Will Africa ever get it right, especially if the Kenya that was once referred to as Africa’s most stable democracy and that looks like it is over an 100 years ago. I am just 45 years of age so these signs are dangerous for the stability of Kenya and someone needs to quickly sing this song into the ears of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, regardless of their past contributions, they would never be totally absolved by history if they let this nation disintegrate in their time.
By Pastor Elvis Iruh
Kisumu, Kenya
Tel: +254-0727761827
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| Comments | Post your comment |
Can't Kenyans do away with these two men and elect new leaders to take their country forward? We abroad are tired of hearing their quarrels like little babies fighting for sweet.
Shame on them.
George Ama
Commented by: George Ama
on: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 16:40
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