Discriminative measures a recipe for revolution

Not so long ago, I was privileged to be in a civic awareness forum where I overheard groups of the Kenyan electorate debate the merits and demerits of a unitary state. The view that Kenya would be better of balkanised than united as is the case today seemed to tilt the plane of these discussions.

Reason? Discrimination, favoritism, disjointed and competing interests amongst Kenyan tribes, communities and individuals. This is compounded by the fact that groups of people were been lumped together as tribes during the colonial times leave alone a conglomeration 42 plus tribes to form a nation.

Those who harbor thoughts of home rule argue that even the church is splintered across the globe and is administered separately in the diverse States, yet the Christians still call themselves Christians. So it is possible in their view to be administered under say JUBILEE or CORD at the same time and still be a proud Kenyan!

Luhya’s for instance are said to be one people of 18 plus ethnic communities yet in reality, all they share is a region, nothing much. The differences between Maragolis and Bukusus are as clear and distinct as heaven is from the earth. On the national platform, differences between the bara people and the coastal people abound. So is the historical vendetta between Kikuyus vis-avis Luos and Kalenjins- which is another concoction of many people lumped together for convenience of the colonizer then.

Things could have been remedied long time ago if the Government had taken deliberate equalization moves from independence to ensure that ALL Kenyans are catered for and no area is favored against another. There is no better way to do this than equitable sharing of the national cake.

When for instance the Treasury Cabinet Secretary allocates funds to build new stadiums in Mombasa, Nairobi and Eldoret which already have a number of state-of-the-art stadia; Kenyans from other quotas ask; “but what about us?” “Don’t we have sportsmen in Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, Kericho among other counties that have a rich heritage of sporting culture?”

When the Government clears all huddles for cash crop farming and business in one region while turning a blind eye or deaf ear to the plight of farmers and business people in other regions; does that enhance nationalism?

When all Kenyans are required to pay tax and particularly the 3 shillings loaded on all fuel products per litre in the 2015/16 budget and then some areas are developed in select areas of interest on the basis of the view that these are productive areas than the others; does this enhance oneness as Kenyans?

When the patriarchal parliament full of male chauvinist discriminate women by rejecting the appointment of a qualified, no nonsense lady like Amb. Dr. Monica Juma to the position of Cabinet Secretary; do we still consider ourselves to be Kenyans or Men and Women?

Oneness means equality. That some Kenyans, some communities, some Counties are elevated to be more equal than others when it comes to sharing of the national resources cannot foster equality.

Kenyans are not proud of many of these things that have been done in the name of Kenya- corruption, nepotism, tribalism all are vices that need to be rooted out from the Kenyan society. Our leaders have cause to repent many times now and in future.

Communication Manager

CMS-Africa