Kenya is undergoing massive change as the new Constitution is implemented and citizens learn to live with devolution.
In this kind of political environment it is important conversations on governance be held in a language common to all people.

This is what Juma Namlola’s latest novel, Kula kwa Mheshimiwa (Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, 2013), does – narrating Kenya’s political situation in Kiswahili, the national language.

Debates on the role of county and national government are critical and it is impressive to see creative writers contributing to the discussions. Namlola’s novel, therefore, makes a huge contribution to the archive of books about Kenyan politics written in a language that most Kenyans understand.

Kula kwa Mheshimiwa is set during the general elections and reflects the intrigues of campaigns. Two politicians, Apewe (a man) and Majaliwa (a woman), are vying for a parliamentary seat and they try to outdo each other in the campaigns. Apewe, who is the incumbent, tries to pay off Majaliwa to step down for him but the she is adamant that she will run for the post.

When Apewe realises that his opponent is gathering popularity and that some of his supporters have crossed over to her party he organises for her to be murdered. Fortunately, Majaliwa survives the shooting and wins the contest while Apewe is arrested and charged with violence.

Belittling women
Apewe represents many such crooked people in Kenyan politics who have no qualms about ‘disappearing’ their opponents especially when they realise that the said opponents are more popular. He has a number of senior police officers on his payroll so his criminal activities are largely protected. The writer calls on voters to beware of fraudulent politicians who will go to any length to win political seats not to serve the interests of the citizens but to amass wealth for themselves.

The writer mocks citizens who take advantage of the voting period to wolf as much money as they can from the aspirants instead of taking interest in the aspirants’ visions for the constituency. One of the characters in the novel reasons that the campaign period ‘ndio muda wa kula kwa mheshimiwa’ arguing that after the elections the politicians will disappear to parliament only to reappear five years later to seek votes again.

This character demonstrates the disillusionment of voters who constantly feel betrayed by their leaders because the latter, once they get into office. The idea of Kula kwa Mheshimiwa, literally translated to ‘eating at the honourable’s,’ mocks voter apathy that afflicts Kenyans who will generally vote for someone just because they paid more money than their opponent.

Kula kwa Mheshimiwa addresses the importance of voters questioning the integrity of their leaders and electing people based on their uprightness and ability to deliver as opposed to basing their choice on gender or wealth of the aspirants.

The writer gives prominence to a popular female politician whose opponents keep belittling her because she is a woman. Her chief opponent’s campaigners move around questioning her ability to lead since she is a woman, a situation that has been seen around the country during elections.

Majaliwa does not have as much money as Apewe to bribe voters but the citizens support her nevertheless and vote for her overwhelmingly believing that a change in leadership will bring to them the development they so desire.  The symbolism of her name lies in its representation of her desire and ability to bring progress to the people despite her limited resources.

Physical attacks
The writer, by creating a popular and honest female political aspirant, questions Kenyans’ voting trends where very few women make it to parliament and other leadership positions. Indeed, in the 2013 elections, there was not a single elected female senator or governor.

Apart from physical attacks, such women have had their personal lives scrutinised and if they are not married, as is the case with Majaliwa in the novel, this is used against them as ‘evidence’ that they cannot manage national affairs.

It is such unfriendly political culture that often stops women from seeking political positions. Majaliwa is symbolic of resilience and political conviction, an indication that she believes in working to win the voters’ trust as opposed to being handed the political seat easily.

Her example is noteworthy especially for Kenyan women who desire to join politics – leadership will not be attained effortlessly.

Kula kwa Mheshimiwa is thus a reminder to Kenyans to exercise good judgement as they elect their leaders. It is a call to voters not to be hoodwinked by politicians’ handouts at political rallies but instead demand that leaders deliver on their promises otherwise they be voted out. That is the only way the country is going to progress.

I recommend this novel to all Kenyans who desire to change the country’s political culture; Kenyans who need to significantly distinguish between ‘kula’ (eat) and ‘kura’ (vote). Unless Kenyans make this distinction and work towards having an accountable leadership the writing of a new constitution would have been in vain. The language of this novel is accessible even to those not used to reading books in Kiswahili.

Dr Muchiri teaches Literature at the University of Nairobi. jennifer.muchiri@uonbi.ac.ke