Nyachae: This nonsense MUST be stopped.

We all know that this is an election year and that down deep in our hearts and minds we understand that political militia and thuggery would rule urban streets and rural pathways with impunity. Past experiences are abound and indeed fresh in peoples’ minds. But this is not meant to be in a democratic and civil society as Kenya.

The recent attacks on ODM luminaries by thugs aligned to Nyachae has already started a wave of lawlessness where innocent Kenyans going about their daily routines and businesses, oblivious of any and all political chest-thumping, have been attacked, maimed and beaten silly by those wanting to avenge for crimes committed against their political favorites.

We must from the outset state in no unequivocal terms that let us not allow political goons and nondescripts chart our destiny as a people. We must all refuse to be used by weak politicians to cause mayhem and anarchy and in so doing disturbing the long cherished peace that we have enjoyed. We are not going to gain anything from being used by these politicians in their effort to seek lost glory and insatiable self-aggrandizement.

Nyachae has no doubt for a long time now been the only and unchallenged king of the Abagusii. All those who stood their guts and guns to challenge his uncouth albeit generally acceptable leadership in Gusii were slashed to size either by intimidation, coercion, or by state-supported gorilla tactics like the one witnessed last week.

The old man had declared his retirement from active politics not long time ago. And now his come back with pumped veins to revenge for past betrayal by Raila is indicative of his poor judgment, poor leadership and sheer misuse of the respect and mantle the Kisii people had bestowed him upon. At this age and era it must dawn on these big-ego and octogenarian politicians that dictatorship cannot and will not be allowed to rare its ugly head again in Kenya. We need more mandelas, more Nyereres, and less of Mois, Musevenis, and Mugabes!

Our Country has continued to suffer irreparably from colonial home guards and or their sons and we must not continue to complacently allow this kind of behavior to persist. I must hasten to add that silence means agreeing with them and therefore it is imperative that we speak out and condemn any and all acts that spoil the peace we continue to enjoy in our country. Let no politician lie to us that they are the ones who have provided that peace. Nay. God has severally intervened in our behalf and also Kenyans have restrained themselves from self-destruction even when politicians have openly championed for bloodshed in the country.

We all know how Moi and his cronies (during his era) chased, maimed and killed other tribes from rift valley especially those he allegedly support for his survival.

The likes of Nyachae, Moi, Michuki and others should hold their horses, their political rights notwithstanding, from messing up our future and destiny. Theirs is an era gone and any effort to hang on to the realms of power might end disastrously. Please go home and nurse any wounded egos without dragging our future with it.

Kibaki must be strong to steer the country peacefully especially at this election period. His laid-back kind of demeanor would tear our country right in the middle. All officers of the government in charge of security matters should be wary and vigilant at all times in order to alleviate fears among the citizenry and above all deal decisively and fervently with any and all acts of lawlessness without fear or favor. It is indeed commendable that the president, Mr. Kibaki, came out to condemn the uncouth manner with which the Nyachae supporters unleashed terror on ODM luminaries. But Kibaki must move beyond rhetorical and meaningless press statements. He must call upon the security apparatus to move swiftly and boldly to forestall political thuggery. Those suspected of breaking the law must meet the full force of the law by being taken to court and their cases expeditiously prosecuted irrespective of political, social and tribal inclination or alignment.

We all know that the government of the day is usually the culprit in unleashing terror to its citizens especially those opposed to their polity and leadership. Nyachae and his ilk must be told in no uncertain terms that political thuggery is a crime and like Mama Ngilu they should be arrested and taken to court. That is fair to ask and that is justice. These badly ego-wounded politicians must learn that Kenyans have long embraced multiparty politics and those opposed to current leadership are at liberty to challenge it and if Kenyans buy their vision, dream and philosophy, they can and should vote and elect them to positions of leadership. Our democracy is flourishing and must not be derailed by delusional leaders like Nyachae. My friends, we must zealously safeguard our democracy, peace and tranquility that God has so bountifully allowed us to enjoy.

I would want also to call upon the opposition leaders to restore order and sanity among their supporters. You cannot preach water and drink wine at the same time while expecting the people to find you credible. The opposition must steer clear of any acts of hooliganism and in its stead let sobriety run high among your rank and file. The only way to beat the likes of Nyachae is by providing an alternative leadership devoid of anarchy and lawlessness. Those who unleash terror on their opponents are those who are afraid of their records and afraid of losing. Let all those wanting to campaign even in your own backyard do so because you know they would get nothing. Unpopular leaders take refuge in chaos and confusion in order to unfairly wrestle leadership from those who are popular.

I want to call upon Raila, Mudavadi, Ruto, Balala, and Nyagah to fully restrain themselves and their supporters if they want us to take them seriously. Campaign fairly and allow others to campaign fairly. In so doing you will allow Kenyans to elect their best leaders without fear or coercion.

Otherwise let us wish all leaders the best of luck as they campaign and may the best leaders win. Fair is the word.

Rmageto, DE USA.