How egoistic leaders are letting Kenya down

I cannot recall when CNN became a consultant for multinationals and prospective investors wishing to invest in Kenya, or elsewhere in Africa.

I may not therefore comprehend how recent unfortunate xenophobic statements by CNN would hurt Kenya’s chances of wooing investors more than a cabal of tribal jingoists, pilferage, corruption and tribalism have already done.

There is no bigger dent inflicted on Kenya than that of the 2008 post-election violence and runway corruption in government. If we must correct impressions and do a little damage control to woo more investors, 2008 gives the reference point and while at it, we should run some of the more tactless legislators through political incinerators.

When you’ve just been watching and listening to President Obama speak glowingly about Kenya and the clip on your TV changes to one of Kakamega Senator Bonni Khalwale, Member of County Assembly Cleophas Malala and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya spewing venom, bragging and actually triggering a fight at a funeral, you realise something is seriously amiss with the political leadership. Only weeks ago, Dr Khalwale’s village loyalists and those of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero slugged it out at the High Court over a matter before court.

Leadership intolerance cuts across the political divide. In Kiambu, we have Governor William Kabogo and Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu deviating from their core mandates to engage in public spats over who is more popular. Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria was recently reported to have incited his constituents to violence after he had been previously cited for hate speech on social media. Other cases abound, and the tragedy is that bankrupted attention seeking leaders selfishly use funerals and church functions to demean themselves and Kenyans.

It is unfortunate that after Auditor General Edward Ouko tabled a report highlighting massive misuse of public funds in government, nominated MP Johnson Sakaja came out to castigate him, claiming he was engaging in a public relations exercise.

Mr Sakaja’s hypothesis must be faulted on two grounds. First, the Auditor General draws conclusions from available documentation, not hearsay. Secondly, Sakaja has no access to those documents hence, his objection to the Auditor General’s report could be impulsive. If the government has issues with the report, there are avenues of resolving it, but press conferences are not one of them.

President Obama’s stay in Kenya was of such contrast; full of vivacity, positive energy and promise for the future of this country that for the discerning, it was impossible to miss the negativity we have been shrouded in for years without hope for reprieve. That is because, gullible as we are; we keep repeating the same mistakes we make every five-year circle of elective politics;  electing people past their sale-by dates.

While CNN naively portrayed Kenya as a hotbed of terrorists, President Kenyatta countered this by saying Kenya was a hotbed of vibrant culture, spectacular natural beauty and wonderful people. This is true only if it does not include garrulous politicians who are a disgrace to the rich Kenyan side.

Even with a diverse background; being a Kenyan –American, Obama displays such affection and love for his kin, Kenya and Africa, it is worth emulating. It was easy to remember a segment of our national anthem by listening and watching Mr Obama; ‘let’s dwell in peace, love and unity. Justice be our shield and defender’.

The writer is a correspondent for The Standard

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Leadership Kenya