In the process of bloody ethnic cleansing of members of the Kikuyu community in Kenya, brutal murders in our country that has claimed 311 lives, wanton destruction of property, chaos, blames and counter blames, some commentators have deliberately or indeliberately lost grip of the core issue that is fuelling the National democratic revolution in Kenya.
On a long term, the fundamental question after Kibaki stole the vote and installed himself as President is the question of the ability of Kenyans to change a government through democratic elections. Once Kenyans loose confidence in the electoral process (this happened during the Moi dictatorship), very few Kenyans will, in future, have reasons to go to vote.
Kibaki has openly stolen the vote using an Electoral Commission he appointed. Kenyans had confidence in the electoral process because they had confidence that Samuel Kivuitu, the ECK Chairman, would ensure that the will of the Kenyan people prevailed. Instead, Kivuitu stole the vote in favour of Kibaki and later went ahead to admit this fact when blood began to be spilled. Evidence from European Union observers and other independent sources have confirmed that Kibaki rigged elections. Given that democracy is universal, how can the world accept the result of rigged elections in Kenya and democratic elections in other countries even if the rigging is with one vote?
The political consciousness of Kenyans has grown and the millions of Kenyans who voted for Raila Odinga will not buy the cheap concept of “peace and reconciliation” being preached by the Church and other external forces because recognising Kibaki as the President will mean that next time, another candidate in office could steal the vote and get away with it.
The vicitmization and killing of innocent members of the Kikuyu community is unnecessary, just like the shooting of civilians by paramilitary police is also uncalled for.
The struggle against the rigged elections must go hand in hand with the need to restore and maintain faith in the electoral process. Moi ruled by crisis because he had no mandate. Kenyans need a President who has the people’s confidence and the people have already spoken.
The current dispute is beyond Raila or Kibaki Presidency. It is about the future of Kenya as a democracy and a generational change in the country’s leadership. Kenyans should not loose this focus because we are one people genuinely fighting for change and transformation in our country.
Okoth Osewe
About the Author
