An open letter to the Kamba Nation

By MAKAU MUTUA

This open letter is a warning to the Kamba Nation. Beware of those who speak with a silver tongue. They are cunning foxes come to lead you astray.

Remember the wisdom of the Kamba prophetess who foresaw the coming of the colonialists.

She warned of aliens who would float on water – ships, move like snakes – trains, and carry fire in their pockets – matchboxes.

They came with guns and Bibles and asked you to close your eyes and pray. When you opened your eyes, they had everything plus the guns. You were left holding the Bible.

Methinks the colonial encounter is an apt metaphor for the forays of the ‘No’ camp in Ukambani.

Like the colonialists, the ‘No’ camp believes that Ukambani is ripe for conquest. That is why Higher Education minister William Ruto, the ‘No’ camp kingpin, smells blood there.

Yet Ukambani, set to prosper under the proposed constitution, suffered immensely under the Kanu dictatorship of which Mr Ruto was an integral cog.

Think of the ignominies that the region has endured because of the oppressive Kenyan state. Ukambani is a byword for all that ails Kenya: Famine. Decrepit roads. Lack of adequate and clean water. Malnutrition. Environmental degradation. Land grabbing. Domestic violence. Poor schools. Teenage pregnancy. HIV/Aids. Police brutality.

The litany of horrors is too long and painful for me to recount.

Why does Mr Ruto feel now like he owns Ukambani? He says with total confidence in public rallies that Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka – the most senior Kamba politician – is in the ‘No’ camp with him.

He promises that Mr Musyoka will publicly defect to the ‘No’ camp in the eleventh hour.

Even though I know Mr Ruto is capable of anything, I am inclined to believe him on this one. The simple reason is that Mr Musyoka has not directly denied Mr Ruto’s claim, or openly contradicted him.

Does Mr Musyoka have a mouth of his own? If so, why is he letting Mr Ruto speak for him on the most important decision since Kenya became independent? Does Mr Ruto own Mr Musyoka, or is Mr Musyoka Mr Ruto’s sidekick?

Listen, good people of Ukambani. You will go to the ballot box on August 4 to exercise your franchise. Vote your conscience, but do so wisely.

Think carefully about what you stand to gain if the draft constitution passes, and what you will lose if it fails.
Look at the notorious list that is fronting the ‘No’ side. The cast – Mr Daniel arap Moi, Mr Ruto and Mr Cyrus Jirongo – speaks louder than words.

They reigned over Kenya during its darkest hour. I know that Mr Musyoka was President Moi’s blue-eyed boy during Kanu’s rule. But, as you know, he did nothing – zilch – for Ukambani.

Don’t be swayed by Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo who has become a fixture at Mr Ruto’s side. Mr Kiema has been confused ever since he was left out of the Cabinet after the 2007 elections.

He used to be Mr Musyoka’s sycophant and thought he deserved a Cabinet seat.
But, as the saying goes, there is no honour among thieves. Paradoxically, Mr Kiema and Mr Musyoka may be reunited if, in fact, Mr Musyoka is working secretly with Mr Ruto in the ‘No’ camp.

Bottom line: Neither Mr Musyoka nor Mr Kiema is working for you. Their positions on the draft constitution are driven by their personal political interests. They don’t give a flying fig what happens to you.

Isn’t it shocking how many ODM-Kenya MPs are in the ‘No’ camp? How likely are they to defy the party without Mr Musyoka’s blessings?

It’s clear that all Mr Musyoka cares about is his battle with Prime Minister Raila Odinga to succeed President Mwai Kibaki. Otherwise, he would whip his MPs into line to support the draft constitution.

Instead, Mr Musyoka wants to appease the Christian clergy and Mr Ruto to woo the Christian and Kalenjin vote. He will sacrifice your future – and that of your children – to get to State House.

Again, I ask you – for how long must Mr Musyoka take you for a ride before you wise up? In 2007, you voted to the last person for him. But what do you have to show for your vote?

While Ukambani elites have generally collaborated with repressive regimes, the people have usually been on the right of history.

Colonial rule

Most opposed colonial rule and many were in the Mau Mau. For every Mulu Mutisya there has been a Willy Mutunga or Charity Ngilu.

The late Kitili Mwendwa, Kenya’s first black chief justice, would vote ‘Yes’. Ditto Muindi Mbingu, Paul Ngei, and J.D. Kali, the freedom fighters.

The colonialists called Jomo Kenyatta “a leader unto darkness and death”. That description fits those who would deny Kenya a new constitution.

Heed Syokimau and defy them. Don’t repeat the colonial mistake and allow them to steal your future – again. Vote “Yes!”

Makau Mutua is Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School and Chair of the KHRC.