Opinion: Kenya at critical political juncture

Truly speaking, the world is replete with nations, societies and communities that have undergone several critical moments of disruption that have changed their trajectory for worse or for good. Many of these overwhelming events are uncontrollable and while some creep in slowly - like the fight for independence - others set in like lightning, just like the recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Florida.

Kenya as a nation has had its fair share of turning points, right from the declaration of independence in 1963, which ended the era of colonialism and ushered in self-rule, to the attempted coup of 1982, the struggle for multi-party democracy and the current stalemate.

Understanding how historical events and turning points impact and shape the path of economic, social and political development helps us to appreciate our circumstances and develop a sense of urgency and preparedness for the future. 

One tumultuous period for Kenya came with the clamour for political pluralism that ushered in multi-party democracy in 1992, with the scrapping of the infamous Section 2A of the old constitution. We must understand that politics is the process through which people choose the rules and rulers who will govern them, and the institutions that will guide them.

Economic activity

Good, stable and predictable institutions of governance and economic activity will lead to confidence and trust of leaders and Government while unstable systems and institutions will discourage investors and hamper economic progress.

Fast-forward to 2010 and the enactment of a modern constitution that occasioned monumental disruptions to the nation’s governance systems, particularly in the electoral and public finance management arenas. This has since proved to be a double-edged sword capable of causing a sharp turn in our country's trajectory on the one hand, and on the other, laying bare the means and mechanisms of embracing and rewarding the creativity and industry of all Kenyans in an all-inclusive economic system.

Those who have great ideas are able to start or carry on their businesses in an environment of free, inclusive markets that not only give people the liberty to pursue their dreams but also provide a level playing field.

How each country and each region affected by disruptions of this magnitude deals with and addresses the impact  marks the critical difference between the success and failure of a nation. And depending on the source and force of the disruption, the dimensions affected will also be different - ranging from cultural and social to economic and political.

Weather storms

Some nations have very strong and well-entrenched governance and economic institutions that are able to weather the storms while others crumble and take decades to find a new compass. Examples abound - Somalia, South Sudan and Central African Republic to mention a few. 

Believe it or not, our country is right now going through the labour pains of a very critical moment in our history - the annulment of a presidential election after having declared a winner with majority votes cast. It would have been better if a declaration had not been made and a fresh election was ordered!

There truly cannot be anything as painful as being stripped off a country’s topmost medal shortly after being bestowed with the same in the full glare of the world! It is akin to being stripped off one's statehood. But thanks to the stripped winners, who were strong enough to gather the courage to rise above self for the greater good of our nation, the repeat presidential election is behind us and we must now be bold enough to face the truth and the hard reality.

This is possible courtesy of Kenya's stable and independent institutions and the undying resolve of our people to preserve the ideals of a democratic country and remain united as a republic.

As Kenyans, we must rise and stand strong, with confidence and faith in our nation. We must not delude ourselves and we must not be introspective. We have travelled to the edge of a cliff, where our nationhood has been threatened, and we have come back to safe ground.

Public good

Our Judiciary has done its part and the majority of Kenyans believed that the Supreme Court would live up to what James Madison, the fourth American president, prescribed: “The public good, the real welfare of the great body of the people, is the supreme object to be pursued."

You may wonder; why not choose peace and put our beloved country on the path of progress? We have to understand what drives top leaders and why the politics of some politicians tend to foster economic stagnation while others tend to promote prosperity for the majority of citizens. It is not about what they say or do but more about a society’s collective wisdom and trust in the ideology of their leaders!

This therefore is a moment in our history for a true statesman to emerge, whose vision and resolve will transcend current and future generations, regional and international boundaries to secure the progress and continuity of our country.

Uhuru Kenyatta bit the bullet and swallowed the bitter pill when he agreed to the Supreme Court's annulment judgement. Can Opposition leader Raila Odinga grab the moment and voluntarily agree to abide by the resolve of voters who turned up on October 26 and reaffirmed their earlier choice of a leader? This country needs him and respects him for the sacrifices and work he has done, but he must know that “there comes a time...”

That will make for a true statesman whose cause and legacy will outlive him and this generation. The cause must always be to hold the nation as one indivisible unit!

Mr Mbau is a public finance consultant and former legislator