I lost Bahari seat because I associated myself with Kalonzo

A deeply revealing new book, The Politics of Betrayal was launched last Tuesday. OSCAR OBONYO talks to the author, Joe Khamisi, former Bahari MP and veteran journalist.QUESTION: Your 379-page book is quite engaging and exciting. What exactly prompted you to pen it?
ANSWER: I have always been fascinated with writing. When I entered Parliament in 2003, I began to observe more keenly the political events in the country and consequently recorded events I thought could eventually provide me with material for a book.

Author Joe Khamisi during the launch of his book last week. Photo: Collins Kweyu/Standard

 I also had a desire for people to have an insight on what goes on behind the scenes of our body politics. More public figures need to record their experiences instead of carrying valuable information to their graves.
Q. And why "The Politics of Betrayal"?
A: The title represents our kind of politics. You will remember that at independence, President Kenyatta identified three enemies – poverty, ignorance and disease. Forty-seven years later, the country is still wallowing in poverty; an average of 60 per cent of Kenyans still cannot read or write and majority of Kenyans still cannot access quality, affordable health care. This is a great betrayal of the people of Kenya. There have also been a lot of political shenanigans among the leaders who have contributed to the social and political decay in the country.
Q. Reading through the entire book, why do I feel there is a consistent thread of betrayal with regard to VP Kalonzo Musyoka?
A: The VP has said many times that he is misunderstood. That may be true, but his lack of clarity on many issues appears to be contributing to that misunderstanding. If the impression has been given to the effect that the subject of betrayal revolves around him, that was not intended.
Q. While explaining the eventual break up of the original ODM-Kenya, you write, "I now consider that decision to stay put with Kalonzo my biggest political blunder". Expound.
A: We are all human beings and we make mistakes. I lost my Bahari seat not because I was a poor performer but because I associated myself with Kalonzo who was unpopular in my area. If you remember, I was very active in Parliament in championing the welfare of Bahari people, especially on issues of landlessness and my record in development was unsurpassed.
Q. Except for the bit about his alleged role in the 1982 attempted coup, you seem to have kinder words for PM Raila Odinga, whom you variously describe as "intelligent", "charismatic" and a "great leader who means well for the country". Is there much to read from this?
A: Raila’s father, Jaramogi, and my father were good friends when both were in the LegCo (Legislative Council). I was still in primary school but remember driving with my father all the way from Mombasa to Kisumu to visit Jaramogi who was bed-ridden with malaria. Just as I admired and respected Jaramogi, I have a lot of admiration for Raila. We have had our political differences and that was why I resigned as vice chairman of LDP in 2005, but that does not stop me from making note of his positive qualities.
Q. Equally, you are flat on President Kibaki only wishing him well on retirement but heap praise on his predecessor, Daniel arap Moi, describing him as a "true patriot and nationalist".
A. Moi was in power for a very long time and Kenyans had a longer period to judge him. His failures are well known and documented. I noted in this book what I considered his more positive attributes. I was with Kibaki for only five years and did not have the opportunity to make a more conclusive opinion about his leadership.
Q. The chapter on First Lady Lucy Kibaki’s "intriguing life" makes extremely interesting reading. Nonetheless, how does this piece of drama thematically fit in "The Politics of Betrayal"?
A. When the history of Kenyan First Ladies is finally written I am certain a fairly long chapter will be reserved for Lucy. She has and continues to be a major player in behind the scenes politics. You just cannot ignore her. I had an opportunity to observe her and one particular incident at State House Mombasa, mentioned in this book, is memorable.
Q. Your tips in the final chapter, "Do you want to be an MP in Kenya?" are rather hilarious. Are the tips Kenya-specific?
A. Although my intention was to spice up the book, the items I have chosen to include in this chapter are very Kenyan indeed. I wanted to end the book in a rather cheerful way.
Q. You do not seem enthusiastic about your most recent job. Does this mark the end of Joe Khamisi in the political circles?
A. I chose politics because I wanted to serve the people of Bahari. I am glad I made a mark and my five years as an MP yielded remarkable progress for the people. As to whether I have come to the end of my political career, the people of Bahari will guide my future.