Lower the political rhetoric as crises confront citizenry

A section of Nyeri residents staged demonstrations during the public participation in an impeachment plan against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

Yesterday, Kenyans witnessed heated debate and even violence during public participation in the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The energy and strong opinions in the process against the second most powerful office in the republic, demonstrate a politically aware populace. Time will tell whether the opinions and actions are healthy for our nascent democracy.

At the Bomas of Kenya, there were ugly incidents of violence and shouting matches as different camps expressed their voices. Some supported the impeachment of the Deputy President while others rejected the process. Others felt that the Kenya Kwanza government was failing Kenyans by not implementing promises made barely two years ago.

What is apparent is the misguided priorities largely from our political leaders. While several crises are unfolding in many sectors, politicians are leading self-seeking ventures. The ouster bids for governors are led primarily by Members of the County Assembly, while MPs are pursuing the censure motion against President William Ruto and the impeachment motion against Gachagua.

This week, the government rolled out the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and migrated registered Kenyans from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The ensuing confusion made many patients miss healthcare from numerous hospitals.

This rushed implementation exposed a lack of empathy and policy coherency, where Kenyans should have been adequately told why they needed the new system while discarding the old one. This is especially so because Kenyans will pay higher premiums for SHIF but what is the guarantee for better health services?

There is also the new university funding model where students are complaining of being denied access to adequate funds. The university managers also say they have no money to pay their lecturers and staff on time even as operations suffer a lack of finances.

On infrastructure, there are abandoned road projects and the unresolved proposed leasing of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and others to a foreign Indian firm. Airport staff have warned against the deal with Adani Company, saying they stand to lose their jobs.

Granted, politics will always be part of the leadership architecture and can’t be ruled out. However, the 2027 General Election is nearly three years away. This calls for deeper reflection among the top political leaders.

They must urgently put the interests of the more than 55 million Kenyans ahead of everything. Kenya’s future is at risk of being drowned in political rhetoric and selfish activities. This is the time to implement the Kenya Kwanza pledges and deliver for the common man. The boda boda and mama mboga must be wondering what happened to the so-called Hustler promise and The Plan.

Still, it is not too late to redirect Kenya’s energy to economic growth and a sustainable future.