On 22 February 2012, Kevin Rudd, Australian former Prime Minister and its immediate Foreign Affairs minister announced his resignation. Rudd had astounded many by returning to serve in the current PM's Julia Gillard's government. Gillard after all had been the one who had instigated a leadership challenge in the Labor Party which replaced Kevin Rudd as the 26th Prime Minister of Australia. Despite their political differences they worked together for Australia. Such kind of change in power and humility from a politician is almost an anathema in African politics.
Only last weekend, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni demonstrated the disdain of African political leaders to democratic ideals - free speech and fair competition. At a fundraiser at the Great Lakes University in Kisumu he declared that his long stay in power makes him an expert in governance. It's such conceited thinking that has bred autocratic rule and engendered impunity in African countries. Unfortunately, such kind of perceptions are real in Kenya. Long-serving politicians consider their seniority in politics as an insignia, an 'achievement' that should guarantee them any political office they desire.
In advanced democracies pollsters usually seek for voters' view on politicians by asking them to give opinion on whether they approve or disapprove of a leader. This measurement tends to judge politicians on tangible deliverables and not non-issues that mire our politics. As we head to the upcoming general elections Kenyans should be asking themselves two questions, firstly, are they better off than when President Kibaki and/or their local MP took office? and secondly, which leaders would be best to guide them towards achieving their aspirations.
As a country we expressed our aspirations by voting for a new constitution dispensation that enshrines and guarantees the rights of individuals and creates a framework that has devolved government structures to ensure that local concerns do not compete with national issues. The devolved structures and the separation of power also ensures that the country is not run by the whims of political dynasties and entrenched interests but through the rule of law.
Despite the progress made thus far since adopting the new constitution, old habits still die hard. Seasoned Kenyan politicians have been riding roughshod dismissing opponents and playing up their so called 'experience in politics' as the ultimate qualification for political office. Just this week it was reported in the media that Prof George Saitoti, a presidential aspirant was endearing himself the Kalenjin community citing his loyalty to the former President Moi and was hoping that in the spirit of quid pro quo their support should propel his campaign to state house. The Prime Minister also came out to refute the 'Tosha' endorsement only when he was ridiculed by opponents.
Leaders of the G7 are also touting their youth as the panacea to the leadership ills in the country. It’s troubling that these politicians who are seeking powerful political positions talk less about their achievements while in office and focus their energy in non-issues. Many Kenyans will cherish the memories of the late John Michuki as the Transport minister when he brought decency in the public transport sector. Kenyans will also remember Joe Donde's attempt to reign in the voracious banks which were burdening Kenyans by their crippling interest rates. Such examples of leadership have been largely missing from many politicians who are known more for their theatrics rather than their contributions to better the lives of the people they represent.
Every five years Kenyans are given the opportunity to elect leaders and this important task will once again be bestowed to the public. Unlike past general elections, Kenyans will have an opportunity to elect a number of constitutional office holders, one of the most important and influential one will be governors. The semi-independence status of counties will allow governors to identify the needs of the areas within their jurisdiction and in consult with his team craft strategies that takes advantage of the economic potential of the county for the benefit of its residents.
In my opinion if most of the political frontrunners were serious about serving to 'their people' then I would expect them to contest for the Governor seat. However, misplaced political egos and the baggage of patronage are driving most of these campaigns for presidential office. It's no longer about Kenyans but about selfish ambition. Kenyans should be vigilant and should not be confused or compromised by the political whirlpool. Voters should not reward political ‘seniority’ or political 'freshness' they should vote for people with track records of doing that which they were elected to office.
For a longtime the threshold of leadership has been set too low. The quality of leadership that we have witnessed since independence has put theatrics over substance, unfortunately, most of us have accepted this political noise making as the essence of politics. The trappings of power have bamboozled and convinced many of us that to be a leader in Kenya then opulence is a given. Kenya politics is violently contested because the main drive to political ambition is focused on attaining selfish goals rather than committing to service. It’s now up to Kenyans to decide whether they want to vote for entertainers or focused leaders who will drive the nation towards a change they can believe in, trust and pride in.
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