Let Cooler Heads Reign
Like most folks within the diaspora, I have followed Kenya’s election results with great interest within the blogosphere and mainstream media. Ory at KenyanPundit, Mental, Thinker, Chris and everyone else on the ground have done a great job keeping us updated. I am, to say the least shellshocked at the blatant disregard for country the ‘powers that be’ have shown. If nothing, Kibaki has succeeded in further heightening ethnic tensions by his (and his cronies) actions. Let there be no doubt that this ‘government’ will go to ANY AND ALL lengths to protect it’s grip on power (including plunging the country into a civil war!). There are definite parallels between what is happening on the ground in Kenya politically and what has been going on in Pakistan, but this is a comparison for the another day.
There is enough blame to go around. Legitimate concerns about poll-related violence were founded. But I am all the more frustrated because the ECK is wholly to blame for not only the flawed outcome, but also for the violence erupting in the country as they pat each other on the back and continue to wallow in their ignorance in thinking this was a free and fair election. It may have been free, but not in the least bit fair. But let’s not stop there.
Media reports that Raila was planning a separate inauguration ceremony at Uhuru Park for the ‘people’s president’ and the formation of a parallel government are quite disheartening. It’s not only wrong, this action threatens to circumvent supposed democratic processes and structures in place to address election irregularities. We all know the election was flawed, but attempting to flex muscle to get to the top seat is definitely not the right way and sends a message of lawlessness in the country. If we want our ‘democracy’ to grow, we have to put the onus on the court/justice system to address these irregularities. If for nothing else, to put the spotlight on them, witness them work and render our judgment based on their assessment.
We have serious problems to resolve. Losing our heads, burning cars and bridges and violence along ethnic lines do nothing but heighten tensions and make the journey to a brighter future all the more tedious. There I sed(sic) it!
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About
Magaidi.com is the journal of the African kid. A diary of sorts, a collection of musings and a discussion point on the way forward for the motherland.
