By ndolo asasa Esq.
In 1996 at the Rahimtulla Library, the evergreen Oby Obyerrodhiambo and Odera Aghan superbly presented a narrative, the canoe racers! In the narrative, oarsmen summon and apply all their skills and tactics to win this regular but once in a while competition. They need team work to surmount the massive challenges that include violent sea waves, marauding floating islands and energy sapping sea waters. So as not to re-tell this story, and re-tell it badly as I hardly command the talent and skill of the duo … the winner is always a canoe racer!
Is 2012 going to be our equivalent? A KANU race?
KANU is the party on which Kenya rode to independence. Kenya was under its watch, or is it stare, for a whooping 39 years uninterrupted! During which our own rising political stars were systematically murdered, the economy was put on test as if to establish if it could really ground, many more Kenyans were detained without trial as if to hoist a novel oppression culture to international acclaim!
In anticipation of old age change or worse demise; the KANU system regenerated itself by creating fresh high achievers in subservience, economic ruin and tribal jingoism. And not to be sitting ducks, the KANUlets were dispersed to go and establish safety havens. It is with the benefit of this hindsight that former President Daniel Toroitich arap Kimoi proclaimed that KANU will rule Kenya for 100 years while being cheered on by Sharrif Nassir to the effect that this will be ‘wapende wasipende’!
The KANUlets.
Emilio Mwai Kibaki, Raila Amollo Odinga, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Willaim Samoie arap Ruto, Uhuru Muigei Kenyatta, Musalia Mudavadi, Henry Kosgey, Dalmas Otieno, Simeon Nyachae, Gedion Moi have all learnt and sharpened their political skills from the KANU academy. They done it so well that they have driven psyche on leadership to literally start and end with them or their proteges’. So much such that averagely if you convincingly challenge their credentials to lead as a group or individually, you will most probably be asked by many Kenyan ‘so who is the alternative’ or a claimant to reformism or progressiveness will inform you that ‘at least he is better’ and premise that being in KANU was a necessity or a tactic!
It is in this context that the political motions (there is no movement from KANU) we are subjected should be viewed. We are quickly being offered the choices of either KANU or KANU for 2012.
I predict that in the buildup 2012;
1. Raila, Kalonzo, Ruto or Uhuru will only choose a verified KANUlet to be their running-mate should they contest for the Presidency or any other senior political position
2. The many committees that are to be formed to actualize the constitution before 2012 will be populate and or led by scions, associates and brotherhoods of KANUlets
3. Strategic de-campaigns and political harassments are going to intensify against KANUlet outsiders
4. There is going to be a lot of feel-good public make-ups between and amongst KANUlets.
5. The middle class is going to dig in to sustain the status quo through the rebranded KANUlets
My take?
Kenyan must remain vigilant against cheering on the KANU Racers. KANU took away from the people political authority and legal authority, but failed to take moral authority. Over the last 20 or so years, as evidenced in last year’s referendum, Kenyans have reclaimed legal authority.
Now we must reclaim our political authority. This must be done quickly, sharply and clinically, all else the KANUlets will use it (as they still have it) to roll back the legal authority we just secured a few months ago. The arena of this take-over is the political field. Persistently demand political accountability in media, in churches, in funerals, in the morning, evening and night. Thoroughly organise politically. Join political parties. Hold political rallies. Contest elections. Create and mobilize votes. Vote
This is their last bastion. Expect a hell of a fight!
Who is with me?
