An open letter to President Kenyatta on his utterances

Dear President, I have been listening to the political rhetoric in Kenya but little did I know that our president, who spoke the word “God” more than his worthy competitors during and after the August 8 elections, could turn back and maul the very institution that upheld his election in 2013. I want to address the following issues:

• 1.       Rule of law. The moment the Head of State casts aspersions on a judicial verdict, especially where he is portrayed as the loser, we get rattled. The President is seen as the symbol of order, national morality and unity.

Mr President, your political friends will send you to political oblivion before your time. You have failed the nation with your scathing attack on the Supreme Court judges by calling them “wakora”. On this ground Sir, you owe the nation an apology.

I would spare Senator (Kipchumba) Murkomen but not you. Your reaction is an affront to all the democratic values we have gained over the years.

• 2.     The Presidency is a sacred national institution in so far as it holds the nationhood. For this reason, the holder of the office must equally be a person who is above reproach and with the character of statesmanship. In my own assessment, Sir, you have downgraded the Presidency.

My advice to you is simple: Listen again to your statement attributed to the Chief Justice. The fear of God is paramount in the exercise of our functions as leaders.

Our Constitution affirms the reign of God in our nation. Our national anthem, unless you want to change it, is all about our faithfulness to this one “God of all creation”.The way you manage the Presidency will determine whether Kenyans will remain united or vouch for separatist agendas.

 

• 3.     The people’s power is paramount in their exercise of political destiny. Your Excellency, there is a difference between power and responsibility.

Whereas power could be a legitimate authority conferred on you to do all that pertains to your office, responsibility ensures that you do what is right.

 

4. Tribalism. Your Excellency, I am worried that tribalism is still glaring its ugly face in our country and as the holder of the top office, you have had the opportunity that your predecessors missed to correct the ills associated with ethnicity. Use your power and mandate to address tribalism.

 

• 5.  My last appeal to you is to avoid threatening people. I would wish you use such energy to eradicate corruption in our country.

 Peace and love. 

 

Rev David Kodia is the Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Bondo