Why Kalembe Ndile Is My Inspiration!

In Kenya, we have had our fair share of clowns in parliament. I am talking about certain men who are entrusted with leadership but act and speak in a manner, which makes Mzee Ojwang of the famous Vitimbi sit-com look like a social prude. If parliament was Ceaser's senate back in the days of ancient Rome, some of these fellows would qualify as competent court jesters. Thinking about it, maybe that's a position we can create for some of the MPs in Kenya today.

I have often heard about the theatrics of the MP from Kibwezi. And although the man is not clad in a silly mask and is shoes appear normal, he should be the main feature at a circus event. After watching a few TV clips of the assistant minister complaining about his incompetent boss and the lack of work at the Ministry of Wildlife, I was as amused as I was shocked.

Some attribute Kalembe Ndile's unconventional methods to lack of education. But I think, in his own way, the man is smarter than most of us. You see, Kalembe has mastered the people. He knows their dance and he sings their song. He sells them exactly what they must have. He speaks blunt at the expense of political decorum because he knows the people hate pompous talk, which often delivers zilch.  He blatantly embarrasses ministers because he knows the people can't stand their corrupt ways. He brings up trivial complains and turns them into national issues because he knows that will engage the people.

I watched his boss, the minister of wildlife; make a futile attempt to publicly embarss the man; but where Kalembe succeeds effectively, the "educated" minister failed miserably. He wasn't funny at all, his delivery was way off and his punch lines missed the mark. His attempt to deride Kalembe was more of a mockery to himself than to his intended victim. The same minister, who bragged at length about his stellar education credentials, could not devise a sensible answer in stead he chose to stoop down to Kalembe's level, where he became a fish out of water.

If you listen to the Kalembe speak, you can't help but like the man, a cheap sense of humor is the only require prerequisite. In fact, if you are an aspiring political candidate, you can consult Kalembe and get schooled on the successful theatrics of politicking in Kenya. Using one funny comment, the man can teach you how to destroy your opponent's well thought-out political message. A silly joke delivered the right way can make a good idea irrelevant. You see the man is blessed with a gift, or is it a curse?

In all seriousness, considering the kind of political change we need in Kenya, it is embarrassing that Kalembe Ndile can be entrusted with the future of any community. The Kalembe paradox can only equate to two things; either people have completely given up on politicians to a point where they prefer a clown, or the people are so disconnected from reality that the right message is lost on them.

What gives me the jitters is the likelihood that during this election period, more Kalembe Ndiles will find their way into parliament and turn the Tenth Parliament into an asylum of the insane; where leaders spew out gibberish anecdotes instead of embarking on serious political, economic, and social policy. What worries me is that charlatans will execute Kalembeism as their main campaign strategy. Devious men and women will tickle the bones of the electorate and laugh their way into parliament.

As for now, Kalembe Ndile remains my inspiration. He exemplifies the dire state of our Kenyan politics, which motivates me to get involved in order to create and bring the needed change in our country. Kalembe Ndile, the assistant minister, is a wake up call to every progressive minded Kenyan.

True advocates of change must learn to engage the people. Where Kalembe Ndile delivers ignorant laughter they must deliver insightful vision. Where Kalembe Ndile sells silly jokes, they must sell sound economic development and social change. For what its worth, Kalembe has shown us that the "big man mentality" does not always cut it. He has shown us that you can use the peoples' language to deliver the right message. If we fail, Kalembe Ndile and his ilk will continue to succeed and Kenya will laugh its way right into oblivion!

George Kyalo Mutua

Atlanta, GA, USA