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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Mr President, Kenyans deserve better and fresh beginning now

Opinion

By Norman Mudibo | Jul 19, 2024

**An artist immortalizes the anguish of an injured protester along Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi on June 2, 2024.** [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

I am a Kenyan who believes that our country deserves better and can be great again.

Most of my family members are Gen Zs. They were born into a family set-up that represents the mosaic of our motherland. They are averse to any reference to tribe. They don’t care. They shoot from the hip. They dislike lies. They are assertive, bold and zealous supporters of any cause they believe in.

Now, the injustice, unfairness, pilferage and lethargy afflicting this country is worrisome. These Gen Zs have not only been regaled with absurd stories about their country, but they have seen the deteriorating situation, and they have decided change is urgently needed.

They continue to express their displeasure. Unlike previous protestations, these are largely peaceful for theirs is not to engage in any physical confrontation but voice against how affairs of the country are being managed.

What ails Kenya is arrogance, flamboyance, opulence, nepotism, tribalism and corruption by leaders. Getting an ID, passport has become a herculean task, simple processes are blatantly overlooked as public officials demand hefty bribes from an already downtrodden populace.

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We had a CS who knew not how the inside of a hospital looked like and could not fathom how certain jabs or medication or services were missing. A CS whose claim to fame was expensive watches and belts, publicly and boisterously tells it all on a live show. Others with incredibly dismissive demeanour flaunting bundles of cash at weekend harambees, while 4 million Kenyans are starving.

In Kenya, getting into political leadership has become the surest way to riches, cut deals, and sell souls to gain billions. The upshot is bloated egos and arrogance. That must stop.

Then there are abductions and killings! Kenya needs a fresh start. The multi-sectoral dialogue is viewed by many as a red herring.

Trust level is at its lowest ebb. The Gen Zs are demanding real change in how this country is run. No patchwork or cosmetic actions. A change in how monies are used.

A stop in the confidential expenses. A change in the hygiene of our country’s affairs.

Individuals in government found to have stolen taxes should not only be barred from holding public office but should be jailed and property auctioned. Why should MPs and other public officers be paid allowances, yet they are doing their jobs and paid salaries?

They want leaders, stewards who are humble servants. A leadership that embraces the values and principles espoused in the Bible and the Quran. As the President mull over men and women to steer the affairs of the country, and he named a few last evening, he must consult widely and seek God’s wisdom.

He must make it lean, inexpensive, effective and efficient. Most importantly, let them be humble servants. Never should they allow the arrogance and harassment we have witnessed on our roads.

Arrogance and pride are inimical to servanthood. Humility should be the cornerstone of any government.

The President is an ardent bible reader, and I invite him to read, 1 Peter 5;2&3, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.’’

I also recommend a book by philosopher Frantz Fanon titled; “The Wretched of the Earth,’’ where he discusses the broader social, cultural, and political implications of establishing a social movement for decolonisation of a person and of a people.

Please read an essay on “National Culture”, in which he highlights the necessity for each generation to discover its mission and fight for it. The Gen Zs are the future of our democracy. They have found a mission and their determination to see it through is unstoppable.

President William Ruto has a great opportunity to redeem his leadership. Kenyans need a fresh start. Kenya, our home, deserves better. It needs a reboot.