Mixed reactions arrested my mind when four IEBC officials went on air declaring that the final process of the election process was opaque, and so they would not be part of the awaited announcement. The word “opaque”, was such a strong word, at a time when tensions and anxieties were high.
What could have prompted the quad to choose such a time to utter such a statement?
What was the motive behind the press release at exactly such a time?
I hope that it was well-intentioned and that it did little to mar the apparently credible work that the commission had done; having the results in a public portal accessible to any interested party.
Despite that seemingly unfortunate turn of events, this write-up seeks to start interrogating the president-elect; William Ruto.
The word “Congratulations” to him and his team for putting up a spirited campaign, and defying many odds, is not enough.
A similar compliment goes to Raila Odinga, who too had immense numbers behind him. Not focussing so much on who won or lost, the first undertaking is to hail the two for their efforts.
In addition, the other two, Mwaure and Wajackoya, also deserve a pat on the back for their courage and attempt. It is such a hard task to convince even a handful of unknown persons in one’s village backyard to support and give you the mandate to manage their resources. One that manages to globe-trot the country and get votes, is a hero, no matter the number.
Back to the conversation on the president-elect, the focus starts with a look at the factors, in the public domain, that may have contributed to this success. These are not discussed in any order of merit.
Notable, first, is the level of allegiance to the team he sets out to serve. The first five years of his operations within the Jubilee regime, precedented by the campaign period, and followed by the initial part of the second term, demonstrated immense commitment. Such allegiance and commitment, are rare in many people.
To what degree will these qualities, propel this leader to even higher heights and with him the nation that he sets out to lead?
Second, the use of language, within it, avoidance of insults that easily portray arrogance in many politicians, is another mark. This is mingled with a mastery of language that singles him out as substantially eloquent. Amidst the interesting use of linguistic devices, one cannot but get lured.
Can his ability to make speeches devoid of verbatim reading, go unnoticed?
How will this mastery, attracting large followings, contribute to achievements at the national level?
Third, lies the political expedience within the political arena. Though it may sound a little out of place for the current mind, operations of the YK 92 were an interesting tool that made such a mark in the days of President Moi.
The wave of multi-partyism called for a well-thought-out effort in support of leadership that was starting to tire some large constituency of voters. Is this not the same experience that was seen when he backed the Orange movement, flooring the Banana one, whose leader was a sitting president? These appeared to pave way for a strong URP-TNA merger, culminating in a Jubilee reign. Such marks of success are not a common phenomenon for many, even in politics.
Yet currently with these efforts, having propelled him to the top, how do they get converted to abilities to put food on the table for the many hungry mouths?
Fourth, is the success stories in his ministerial leadership. Memories may not go so far back but certainly, the changes in the Ministry of Agriculture, made a mark. There appeared to shed some light on food security in the nation. The speedy transfer from the Ministry, rumour has it, just before some ministerial awards, could hardly go unnoticed.
His operations in the Ministry of Education also shed additional light. The reawakening of tertiary institutions, among them TIVETA ones, was a welcome wave. His efforts stood out amidst the thoroughness and promptness of operations.
A hungry nation is a poor nation, while an un-educated nation, can hardly talk of development. With him at the helm, the same stories of hunger and illiteracy levels can not remain. What then is to be done to see to the change of narratives in these significant areas?
In the recent past, constant talks of his religiosity, have been discussed. The mention of a chapel in his residence is a welcome message to many. The continued talks of a prayerful couple have not been a common attribute given to many previous and even current leaders. This certainly makes him stand out, yet again. In a nation that boasts of large numbers of congregants in religious circles, how will the regime facilitate a balance between docility and hard work; value, and materialism/consumerism?
We also cannot ignore the reality that this country is a few steps toward getting a leader that is bound to combine academia and the political elite.
While Kibaki did a good job in this, with age to his side, and recent-ness in the acquisition of his academic papers, this leader is bound to add value to this combination. Certainly, one that is not so high up in academics could easily fall prey to lowered self-esteem, easily turning friends into foes.
Now that this is not bound to happen easily, what dividends will Kenyans expect from this academic guru?
Discourse has it that he has been able to demonstrate major entrepreneurial skills. This country’s youth unemployment, under-employment, and wrong-employment are alarming. It is not certain that a majority of the County Governments know well the way to go about this challenge.
Formal employment opportunities have long been overtaken by informal employment opportunities. Entrepreneurship is thus so much needed in a country that has been struggling to merge academia, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Imagine how hungry Kenyans are to see how the merger is done!
To him that is given much, much is expected. Kenyans turned out in large numbers on August 9th to vote for this leader, who is about to go on record for being the first Kenyan in multi-party (Kenyan) democracy, to clinch victory on the first attempt.
Young men, hearing of the Bottom-Up economic model turned up in rallies to hail this newfound hope. For those who may have had time to interrogate Latin American as well as Asian journey from poverty, this model makes sense.
Also, those who understand the importance of the populace in the development of nations may be well versed in the discourse in campaign rallies.
At a time when Kenyans are struggling with increasing poverty, unemployment, unaffordable and inaccessible health, amidst other challenges, such promises of good tidings, could not go unnoticed.
Many, those that voted for or against, have faith in this very energetic leader and so is the task to deliver.
Indeed it is possible, for as he often stated, Kenya is short of fools. To what degree will he be able to tap on to the wealth of the intelligent, to realize the “freedom” that appears present? He has a background that does not warrant him the title of a son of a notable character, and so is aware of what it takes to sleep hungry.
He notably also understands the pangs of being a son of a nobody. Will he speedily forget the hunger once experienced, as soon as he ascends to power? How will he clean off his jackets, the many accusations of ugly words that were thrown at him in campaign rallies, and prove yet again to the Kenyans, that their defying the morning cold, was not in vain?
How will the large chunk of corruption involving lands and procurements, be dealt with for it to profit the populace and propel Kenya to better glory?
Long life, healthy life, and wishes of productivity, amidst serenity in governance, are only a few of the prayers that we have for each of the leaders in this regime. How thirsty we are for continued peace so that there be no hindrances to this new wave of hope. For the rejoicing, the honeymoon is almost over and the time to roll up the sleeves is now. For those feeling aggrieved, there are right steps within the dictates of our noble, tested, and proven, judiciary, thanks to the precedences set up by Mutunga and Maraga.
For the rest of us, manna shall not descend from heaven; each has a role to play to get the “UNGA” coming lower. Hard work is not a choice. Let us all join hands, for we do not know yet another home!
Long live Kenya! Long live Kenyans!
