Ngugi: Heretical Thoughts on Kenyan Politics

Joel Ngugi:

This must be one of the better written pieces that I have read so far on this space, not just because I agree with your discourse but because you attempt to soberly and seriously argue the current political dispensation in Kenya.

Above the din of pro-Raila and pro-Kibaki debates, it is refreshing to read a piece that attempts to draw a balance sheet of the pros and cons of either eventuality of electing Kibaki or Raila. There is no doubt in my mind that Raila's presidency will speed up the economic gains of the current regime while controlling the runaway corruption ( do not be surprised to see Mr. Githongo's return to government) that mitigated its desirable effects.

Looking at the tribal mix that is coalescing around the Raila presidency, we can also foresee a major reversal of the Kibaki regime's tribal imbalance.

Probably the most fundamental change will be the devolution of power, not just at the central government level where the position of prime minister will be created to check the dictatorial tendencies of an absolute presidency, but at the local levels where each province will manage most of their resources. In spite of all the possible pitfalls associated with this drastic change, most thinkers that I have talked to believe that, at the very least, the spread of wealth will be more equitable, in a regional sense, and there will be healthy regional economic competition, with the anticipation that the whole country will develop more rapidly.

I still hold the hope that we have a chance to catch up with, and even surpass, the Asian Tigers!

A. J. Achoki
President & Co-founder
Isaka Memorial Foundation
website: isakamemorial.org