The country needs new kind of leaders to spearhead reforms after referendum

By CABRAL PINTO
Posted Friday, August 6 2010 at 19:22

In an interesting way, the tale of constitution-making in Kenya has been in part a story of three men.

Retired President Moi has been involved in Kenyan politics for the last 55 years. During this period, he has been incessantly dogged by Jaramogi Odinga and his son, Raila. Jaramogi’s life quest was to bring progressive change to Kenya and its people.

Raila, our current Prime Minister, has focused most of his political life on the necessity for the country’s transformation. Since 1982, the popular slogan had been “Moi must go!” From 2002, the clarion call had been “Moism and Moi must go!” Moi finally suffered crushing defeats in 2002 and 2010 respectively.

Kenyans ought to be concerned if Moism, the oppressive, exploitative, corrupt, and dictatorial colonial system inherited from Kenyatta, and bequeathed Kibaki, is now dead and buried.

Raila is the undisputed leader in the national agitation to endorse the proposed constitution and he was totally committed to the ‘Yes’ brigade right from the onset. President Kibaki and other leaders also made their invaluable contributions.

The overwhelming support for the proposed constitution by Kenyans on August 4, 2010 must reflect positively on Raila’s political leadership.
There is a lingering political doubt whether Raila can be entrusted in leading reform forces in this country.

His alliances with Moi and others that prop Kenya’s status quo have been and could be a cause for concern. Raila’s response is that his strategy has been to fight the political system by direct involvement.

This controversial debate continues as we head towards our next election.

In regard to the potential presidential candidates Kalonzo Musyoka, Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua and William Ruto, we do not have equal competition as Raila surpasses these individuals. Martha is a known Kibaki-let, while the other three are loyal Moi-lets.

Raila seems to be the only candidate who can convince the decadent forces of status quo to mitigate the historical, socio-economic and political situation in Kenya.

The new theme now being heard is “Katiba Mpya, Uongozi Mpya”/”New Constitution, New Leadership.” A new leadership that has the will and the commitment to implement the new constitution is now a non-negotiable necessity for Kenya’s upward growth.

The architects and beneficiaries of the oppressive ways that have lost in the referendum are circling their wagons conspicuously labelled “profits before people”. They have long passed their ‘sell by date’ and need to be taken off the shelves

There are innumerable people and groups that are committed to fundamental changes in Kenya who will find vital political spaces in the implementation of the new constitution. They must seek political positions to undertake and change the way the state operates.

In this journey of creating a new Kenya, they will have to forge an ideologically and politically different crusade from what has been offered to Kenyans.

You, I and all of us, must take it upon ourselves to be vigilant and protect ourselves from being betrayed by selfish politicians again.

Therefore, we must be selective, responsible and informed about the choices we make on our new leadership.

It is likely that 2012 will be culmination of this long-drawn out political battle between the forces of the status quo and those for fundamental change in Kenya.

Implementing the new constitution will mean making different political decisions. In proposing that Raila leads the reform forces, I have posed the difficult issue that requires dialogue in the interest of Kenya’s democratic future.

Who will lead us towards a dignified, ethical, independent, peaceful, prosperous and unified nation? Let us debate this question objectively and consciously find a lasting solution to our country’s woes once and for all.