There is need for a moderating voice in Kenyan politics. There is need for a third force – a new political faction or party that occupies an intermediate position between the Jubilee and Cord extremes. We know that even in highly developed and mature democracies, the tussles between two extreme parties offer little choice for voters who may not align with them. In fledgling democracies such as ours, the two extremes may not be the solution for sustainable peace and stability. In fact, it may create opportunities for violence and extremism. We have seen where the ‘winner takes it all’ mentality has done for national unity, cohesion, and reconciliation.
But while it seems, on the surface, that we are morphing into a ‘two-party/coalition’ system. Unfortunately, these two factions represent the old ways of thinking. We have seen the government’s approach in tackling emerging issues and we have also seen the opposition’s response. Neither has been participatory in its decision making; neither solution has been comprehensive or satisfactory. They’ve been piecemeal reactive responses. We have also seen that these coalitions are mobilised along tribal lines. They are simple tribal alliances with self-serving tribal kings at the apex.
It’s therefore no surprise that the fabric of political conversations is littered with black spots of discontent and anger. It is unlikely that Jubilee and Cord will create the Kenya we want.
A quick glance at the personalities in either coalition weaves a story of decades of struggle and betrayal, of promises and dishonours, of egos, mania, and self-interests. There is too much that has happened between the personalities in these two coalitions. There are wounds and scars. There are fresh cuts from recent spears that are yet to heal, will not heal. There are tears mixed with laughter, of pain that can become monstrous at the slightest provocation. And then there is business. Decades old business interests and connections that cannot be sacrificed for the good of the nation. It is safe to say that the 2017 elections will be fought by the realignments of these same personalities, clothed anew, and sold to the public as fresh blood, fresh visions, fresh ideas for transforming the country.
On the side are voices that have been insistent on the need for a new path. But these voices are scattered and disorganised. There are civil societies that have been at the forefront, pushing for democratisation and individuals who are independent-minded and very vocal in anti-corruption campaigns and exposing the ills of the government. There are young Kenyans across the country who are not willing to accept the status quo, young Kenyans who believe that the reigns of the country need new thinking, young men and women who consistently call for accountability and transparency in the management of our national affairs. These young Kenyans need to unite for their voices to be heard. These voices need to coalesce into something approximating a political agenda to effect any change.
Kenya needs a radical third force organised by young Kenyans who are unblemished by the political machinations of the past. This force should be mobilised around the possibilities of new media, such as social media networks, as opposed to traditional media outlets that have been kidnapped and imprisoned by elite and corporate interests. Such a radical force has the potential of breaking the gridlock imposed by the ‘two-party/coalition’ rigidities and their incessant feuds.
But the third force needs identifiable leaders with coherent thoughts and clear strategies for educating the population on what must be done, and popularising the thought that every individual is responsible for actualising the vision they want for the country. As such, it must be pro-people. The idea that once in power politicians are serving their own interests rather than the good of the people must be replaced by a more people-centred approach to politics. Young Kenyans should be wary of opportunists and public-hungry individuals, and insist on ethical, charismatic, and visionary leadership. Such a force must be driven by progressive leaders who understand the public language of the masses, and are eloquent enough to clearly articulate alternative solutions to the perennial problems of governance facing the country.
The rise of a third force will give a growing number of voters the power to function as an unpredictable swing factor during elections. These voters will refuse to be taken for granted by either Jubilee (Narc/PNU) or Cord (Narc/ODM) or whatever names they will morph into next, or by those who continue to see politics through the prism of tribe-A versus tribe-B divide.
I have lately been impressed with the philosophical concept of Heshima as a core entity in social change, and which is relevant to a third force. Heshima is dignity and respect for all, and is grounded on the need for wananchi to respect each other (not fear each other) and engage in constructive criticisms and unite in the search for solutions for our country. Heshima appreciates diversity and exploits the strength of diversities to create a strong whole. Heshima does not break bread together with Madharau, which is currently abundant in our politics.
Maybe it is time to harness the wind of discontent and apathy in Kenya to re-fuel our collective visions. There is need for a new vehicle that can shake up and wake up the political landscape. It is only then that politicians will no longer be complacent that their supporters will vote for them time and time again. Ni Sisi!
Richard Oduor is a research consultant, writer, poet.
Twitter: @RichieMaccs
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