Kenyans hailed for solving stalemate

The imbroglio Kenya was in meant a lot to the region and the world. I remember a friend --here in Canada—asking me what my take on it was. Atrociously, I told him that it meant a lot to the world. I pondered on how the economy and peace in the whole region would be negatively affected. Though I am not Kenyan, I am East African and any shame on an African country is for all Africans. I congratulate all Kenyans for taking a bold step to put behind their differences and envisage on the future.


It should however be noted that no more blood should be spilled again. A single drop of a citizen's blood suffices to cause grief, shame and concerns for the whole nation. He who is stung twice in the same hole is a fool. Kenyans should employ what happened as a lesson.


Currently in Kenya, a new nation is in the making. The supremos should not let this synergy and chance slip away thanks to "gonzo politics" and myopic politicking. Though we are jubilating over a new dawn in Kenya, we need to see to it that the newly born baby is not suffocated.


I have reasons for my worries: First, it is upon Kenyans to save Kenya. Neighbors can come to help if you are ready. But if you are not, nothing can work.

Second, reconciliation is what many African countries long for. The resilience and spirit of engaging in dialogue, at last, have saved the country that was cascading into anarchy. If there is a winner, it is none other than Kenyans who openheartedly and readily acclaimed the agreement to form a coalition government.


What happened is but forgone shall we aim at forging ahead. Kenyans have been living for over forty years without knowing who they truly are. Now we truly know each other. Let us match ahead thumbs up.

Another sine quo non is the formation of justice truth and reconciliation commission to come up with the recipes for averting overflowing back.


Important too is the need of changing the land policy in Kenya. It is not a pun: many Kenyans are landless. This makes them desperate and vulnerable to being used by protagonists of tawdry and turgid politics. Refer to the carnage by Mungiki which also needs to be addressed. Land policy should clearly state that every Kenyan deserves to own land. Tanzania, on the next door, is a good school as far as land policy is concerned.

When human beings have nothing to own, they tend to become suicidal and chaotic. Hither is where the whole issue of land reforms becomes thorny and contentious altogether.


Eradication of corruption is another issue. People implicated in embezzling should return the loot, to empower desperate citizenry.Kenyans would like to see all corrupt officials implicated before the court. How will the Kibaki-Raila regime effectively address this?


Another issue is the new constitution. The current constitution is indeed another heck for the nation. Any wino can come and use it to devour the nation. Here is where the need to establish a sufficient and self-running system is inevitable.

The agreement of coalition provides for and was entered by two parties. What of the rest? The new constitution can fill this lacuna.


What we are celebrating today came into being thanks to the efforts of individuals supported by hoi polloi. Looking at how difficult and cadaverous it has been, it is high time for the coalition government, among others; to see to it the new constitution is delivered urgently.

Kenya has somewhere to commence: the draft constitution that was suffocated by tawdry politics is still logical and around. Go back to Bomas in a new and good spirit of building the nation.


To Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki: Kenyans want their Kenya back in one piece. Don’t let them down. Why shouldn't the coalition regime work as transitional government preparing an election that will enable Kenyans to have a legal government?


I know. Under euphoria, many crucial points may be ignored. But again, politics like business is a tricky game that needs much more care than jubilation.

To cut the story short, I would suggest: Kenyans go back to searching for a new constitution. What happened showed them the need of having a new constitution and how the lack of it can send a country to purgatory.


What a dangerous stance to be in when the constitution of the country fails to address its problems! The citizenry is gaspingly filing behind their leaders in licking the wounds of post-election bulimia. Let them sashay as we give them their prize-peace and tranquility.


OFF THE CUFFS: There is one thing I don't understand. Why should such highly educated Kenyan society fall in the trap of tribal and lunatic politics? Analysts need to do something about this. If anything, there is a missing link in the menu of our education.Otherwise thanks folks for reaching this milestone.

By Nkwazi Mhango Mhango is a Tanzanian living in Canada. He is a Journalist, Teacher,Poet, Human Rights activist and member of the Writers' Alliance of New Foundland and Labrador (WANL)

Source The African Executive Magazine-Nairobi.