THIS IS SHAMEFUL!

P

olitics is a dirty game, laden with mud-slinging and all manner of gutter, so goes the popular belief that dominates politics in the third-world; where democracy is relatively a new concept. Kenyan politics live up to every word of this belief!

This is what best fits the heckling, fists and threats that Miguna Miguna met at the Coast over the week-end as he marketed his book, Peeling Back the Mask: A Quest for Justice in Kenya. The contents of this explosive book have rubbed many shoulders across the political divide the wrong way. Case in point was when his effigy was burnt in his hometown of Ahero.

Many especially, Raila’s ardent supporters and fanatics alike see it as an apparent revenge on the prime minister. They have consequently launched scathing attacks on Miguna and his promotion tours of Kisumu and Mombasa were a proof of this. Rowdy youths marred Miguna’s peaceful forum. These guys were literally baying for his blood, all because they cannot stomach Miguna’s courageous expression of his freedom to expression and opinion. But in an unprecedented show of intent, Miguna has demonstrated courage and unrivalled desire to pursue his cause. The man has literally stayed put.

It is imperative to note that Miguna’s actions are not a violation of any law stipulation. The Canadian-trained lawyer and former advisor to the Prime minister is simply exercising his right and freedoms as enshrined in the new law; that we all swore to uphold in our endeavor to make Kenya a better land.

It is therefore outrageous and in complete violation of the law that these goons stormed the Castle Royal Hotel in Mombasa, cutting short Miguna’s forum, causing him to flee. This is the same treatment that the former advisor received at Raila’s backyard in Kisumu. It was shameful to see an Mp leading residents in Ahero to burn Miguna’s effigy alongside a coffin and proceed to pour the ashes into river Nyando. They do not augur so well for the Prime minister and his chances of succeeding President Kibaki, next year.

Their accusations on Miguna that he is being disrespectful to the PM do not and cannot hold water, not at least in a rational world where civilization has already taken root. Miguna is rightfully exercising his democratic rights and these goons should be brought to book.

These actions are bound to do more harm than good too Raila’s chances of winning next year’s presidential poll. Those who have spoken in support of these rude fanatics should know better. The prime minister should also come clean publicly and condemn these goons. Failure to do so may create the impression that the rowdy anti- Miguna youths are causing mayhem at the behest of the prime minister. The fists, attacks and threats that land on Miguna will be used by other presidential aspirants to bring down the Prime minister.

We may find him to be annoying, brash and arrogant and all manner of awful adjectives to describe him. However we have no choice except to let Miguna exercise this freedom to expression and opinion. Whoever feels aggrieved by this publication should seek redress before a court of law. Any action outside this, especially threats, intimidation and even physical assaults are a violation of the law. Those unleashing them on Miguna should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It is plain disgusting just how some Kenyans can result to uncouth and barbaric acts just because they feel that their favorite politician is being targeted. We must grow up, otherwise how are we going to prove that we learnt from the 07-08 post-poll violence?

This is not the spirit of the new constitution, it a push in the opposite direction!