Where did we go wrong?

                Kenya is a constitutional democracy. Not just a democracy. A democracy that is guided and protected by a constitution. In a democracy, the majority rules. It doesn’t matter if that majority is wrong or corrupt. What that majority decides becomes laws and policies of that country. Whether those laws are oppressive, unethical, immoral or outright wrong. The will of the majority has the way. The minority become subjects of the majority, a segment more seen as dissenting rather than an integral part of the community. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 gave Kenya a democracy that is inclusive with respect for all segments of the society, respect for rule of law and rights and freedoms of people.

                So, it is disheartening to hear political leaders in this country shout in pews, atop mountains and on campaign trail about tyranny of numbers. It is not only misleading and foolhardy to tell people that what the majority will decide in elections is what the whole country wants. That thinking isn’t not only shallow but also dangerous. It goes to show how the ruling elite will bend facts to suit their interests. It doesn’t matter the consequences. They would rather demolish the house so as they can’t be given job to rebuild it. Elections are only a means to put people into leadership positions. When these leaders get into those positions they are supposed to listen, consult and call upon everyone to participate in decision making processes.

                A bipartisan approach to making laws and policies that will affect everyone is the surest way to ensure everyone’s rights and freedoms are protected. It also shows political maturity of political system and ideologies of a country. It also ensures socio-economic and political development of every citizen; eliminates the possibility of a segment of that populace becoming marginalized. An alienated society strikes back and consequences are felt by everyone. The problems facing this country are, mostly, as a result of lack of public participation. Roadside policies that are meant to appease several individuals or meant as campaign tool come back later to bite us in the back. Spur of the moment policies have adverse effects on socio-economic progress of everyone. Laws forced into people will only make the populace distrust the authorities, making the country hard to govern.

                The so-called tyranny of numbers is a way for the ruling elite to impose on the citizenry leaders, laws and policies. They are also meant to maintain status quo of the corrupt leadership that continues to disregard the constitution. If only these leaders told an iota of truth during these campaigns. Mobilize voters not because the numbers will help you rule but because it is their civic duty to vote. Sensitize the electorate on the importance of honest and credible leaders. Unite them instead of using the colonial ways of divide-and rule.

                We need a new crop of leaders with new ideas. The current leaders have failed Kenyans. Failed miserably. They just recycle old failed ideas with hope these ideas will succeed. That kind of folly is unquantifiable. They have no agenda for this country. No ideology they can stand and preach to the masses. Just empty debes. Thy make so much noise to do divert their attention from their failures. Their corrupt dealings stink all the ways. Their agenda is one; protect their interests, loots and illegally obtained wealth.

                So what is the solution? Just one: see who these ruling elite they really are. The biggest enemy the country has ever faced. Forget the terrorist extremists, HIV epidemic or famine. The ruling class pose the biggest impediments to this country progress. A leadership that has no plan to secure Kenyans, eradicate malaria or polio, ensure no Kenyan dies of hunger in this century, emancipate the masses clearly is part of the myriad problems facing us. We do away with them. Inject fresh blood. And let them be honest, have integrity, visionary and have an ideology that they fight for. Otherwise we risk replacing corrupt greedy dishonest leaders with their mentors.