Kenyans Arise!

By

Cynthia Meru

During lunch break my colleagues and I discuss current affairs on our way to Villa Rosa Kibandaski. One of the issues that has been consistent is the IEBC protests that are being championed by the Opposition party in Kenya, famously known as ‘the CORD Alliance’.

Political affiliation aside, it is with deep regret to see the men in uniform who swore an oath of protecting Kenyan citizens being the ones who are using violence to disperse demonstrators exercising their Constitutional democratic right.

What came out clearly from our discussion is the fact that the majority of Kenyans who fill the streets during such demonstrations and end up being clobbered, injured and tear-gassed, have no clue as to why the opposition is proposing for the disbandment of the Independent Electron and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This leaves the question: Then why do they join the demonstration blindly?

A colleague suggested that poverty and desperation to eke a living causes many of the desperados to pour into the streets, expecting that they can loot and get something of value in exchange for their biting poverty.

Another one argued a section of the demonstrators were more than agitated after Cord Alliance leaders were seen on TV claiming that the IEBC cannot be trusted to oversee the next general elections.

The emotions ran high and without doing their own soul-researching, they decided to join their party leaders in a protest.

With the General Elections countdown, Kenyans are getting scared and fearing for the worst if both Government and Opposition do not sit down to iron out the issue of IEBC. The increasing protests’ momentum is likely to overspill into national insecurity, last seen during the elections of 2007.

To save our beloved country Kenya we suggested a few solutions:

1. There is need to educate Kenyans on the role of various State Corporations, especially those that relate to elections and dispute resolutions.

2. More projects of poverty alleviation should be initiated through a solidified Public Private Partnership (PPP).

3. Inclusivity should be the core value of all organizations, where every community feels is part and parcel of national cohesion and integration initiative.

4. All must be encouraged to ‘talk peace, sleep peace and walk peace’.

Cynthia Meru

I am a freelance writer and photographer and believe that everyone has the potential to do great things, all one needs is an opportunity. Favourite Quote: “Don’t be afraid of getting wet, if you want to be a swimmer.”