The Kenyan voter is the boss and the ultimate contractor of political leadership and governorship power. However, the tables seemingly turned when the employer started referring to the employee as mtukufu (sacred), baba na mama (Parents), excellency, right honourable and such other sickening phrases.
In return, the politicians refer to citizens as wafuasi (followers) and sheeple, a portmanteau of 'sheep' and 'people', which is a political pejorative thrown at citizens who blindly follow government mandates, political parties or mainstream narratives without questioning them.
"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters." —Abraham Lincoln.
As per the above statement, I have seen Kenyans use political fire to warm themselves for at least five years, only for them to misuse it, abuse it and get themselves roasted.
By the fifth year of every election cycle, Kenyans feign regret and vow not to be emotional during the next voting cycle. Instead, they craft illogical cliches, songs and praise dances for the same people who had inflicted them pain for the last four years and the cycle continues.
Many voters have never understood the power of the ballot and, like Theodore Roosevelt once observed, "A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user."
One of the reasons the voting arsenal is less effective is because Kenyans rarely read for themselves, as their desire to mine information is subtle. Political parties have manifestos, and political aspirants/candidates prepare, or at least have someone prepare, one for them.
It is expected that Kenyans would read, analyse and critique the manifestos. Instead, Kenyans rely on politicians’ putrefied speeches, often attacking opponents and not necessarily explaining what they would do with political power once accorded the chance. It has been said if you want to hide something from a Kenyan, put it in a book.
Politicians know too well that Kenyans will not interrogate their statements and therefore engage in theatrical absurdity to move masses. The current euphoric phrases: wantam and tutam, sponyo (sponsor or funder), Zakayo and hi, cousins are nothing but hopeless statements meant for nothing else but to whip up emotions.
The question that begs an answer is why can’t the Kenyan voter, as the proprietor of the enterprise called the nation, draft meaningful Terms of Reference (TORs) that would bind the covenant between himself and the political leaders?
The civil society framework in this country needs to organise “The People” to draft practical expectations for those seeking political power. This can be organised at ward, constituency and county levels. This can further be packaged as accountability charters based on constitutional and legal expectations, demographic needs, projected revenue and existing projects.
The accountability charters can then be signed by the prospective leaders and used as covenant deeds between the citizenry and the leaders, who upon assuming office, will have to give periodical updates on their progress.
Kenyan voter, over to you.
Assistant Director at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). He, however, writes in his personal capacity. | [email protected], www.lucaskimanthi.co.ke
