Leaders should heed President’s advice on unity for the sake of Kenya’s future
By SELINA CHITERI
The quest for unity is never a rosy affair with up and downs always presenting itself along the way no matter what form or manner of unity is being forged. It requires sacrifice, wisdom, cooperation and perseverance in order to achieve a desired goal. It is integral in any political or apolitical formation as it is the impetus for individuals to live in harmony with one another and offers an opportunity to focus on what is worthwhile without compromising another party. A key factor in the leadership of the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta has made it intentional to unite the country and for the avoidance of doubt, the much that has been achieved has enabled Kenyans to live in a peaceable environment forestalling the then threat of violence as a result of a highly polarized country that ensued after the 2017 General elections.
Four years down the line, President Kenyatta has continued to make strides in the quest for unity in efforts to leave Kenya out of the hands of bad leadership and handover a solid nation at the end of his term. Understanding the dynamics of leadership and politics and the internal power play that is away from the eyes of Kenyans, the President already sounded an alarm on having a leader who will sweep clean the coffers and reserves of the country, a leader who has demonstrated and fueled divisive politics through ethnicity, class and political ideology, undoing all the milestones Kenya has so far achieved in development, national security and cohesion. This he has not shied away from, directly cautioning other leaders against his Deputy who has grown claws and tenterhooks protecting and initiating his corrupt antiques in his tenure as DP. This has been facilitated through channels involving his allies, the church and even foreign operatives who have skillfully waylaid any likely loopholes that would directly pinpoint him to corruption and money laundering. Uhuru has worked and thereby understands Ruto in and out, and a warning from him on Ruto’s leadership bears a lot of weight to the future of the country and the next administration.
The President has come out to urge leaders to unite for the sake of Kenya’s future, particularly those who are able to influence the hearts and minds of Kenyans in preaching peace and fostering national cohesion. This necessitates a coalition among our political stalwarts with the main contenders being Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Gideon Moi who were recently convened by the President at State House Mombasa where he urged for the formation of a coalition if they want to form the next government. Offering his candid advice that has been well under discussion by other leaders and political analysts, the stalwarts are best placed in identifying a sole flag bearer through a coalition as this is the only way Kenya will be saved from treachery.
This is not to dispute, the existent of wrangles among the former NASA principles who have now decamped to the One Kenya Alliance (OKA). Arguably aggrieved parties have their reasons for their grievances and should be heard to square out issues that have caused disharmony among them. But at the end of the day, it is best that these issues are resolved adequately and timely to facilitate an agenda of unity among them as opposed to handing over the country’s leadership who are bound to exploit Kenyans and their resources as far as leadership is concerned.
Backed by the President, this would offer Kenya an opportunity to chart a new and solid path of unity bringing leaders from different political and ethnic divides and inclining the country towards a positive trajectory of political stability and prosperity.
