A
political career spanning to 49 years, has come to an end. President Kibaki,
the Mp for Othaya since 1976 is bidding bye as the country’s head. Ten years as
a Vice-president and another ten as the president, is no mean achievement for
the Makerere-trained economist. He may have been at the helm when Kenya faced
her most tumultuous moment in the 07-08 post-poll violence, but Kibaki retires
to his Othaya home, with his head held high. The search for his successor is on and the
political scene is abuzz with intense activity. His succession race has seen
sworn political enemies come together; inseparable allies acrimoniously part
ways and the marriage of strange bed-fellows. Alliances are the surest way to
finish the race and savor glory and victory come March or April 11th , if the polls go to the run-off.
President
Kibaki has left his mark and written his name into the hearts of Kenyans.
Unlike what would perhaps have been the most expected of scenarios, the
president is retiring to his Othaya home, still the popular man who was sworn
in 2002, on a wheelchair and a neck-plaster round his neck, following an
accident on the campaign trail from Kitui. African presidents are known to
retire as unpopular leaders, a far cry from the heads elected into office. He
has left Kenya a very improved country. Infrastructure, the free primary
education and a new constitution will forever be the hallmarks of his 10 years
tenure as the head of the state. The economy is on the upsurge and as he said
in his Jamhuri Day speech on 12th December, 2012, the country is now
on a sound economic footing and infrastructural foundation to push it to the Kenya that all and sundry have
always dreamt of.
The
newly-built ultra-modern Thika highway is God-send to the agricultural activity
of Central Kenya and lower Eastern. Farmers in other parts of the country no
longer lament about the roads. Basic primary education is now accessible to
children from the less fortunate and under-privileged families. Primary and
secondary education is no longer the preserve of the financially able. Also
higher institutions of learning, such as universities, colleges and
polytechnics have seen their numbers swell to an all-time high. Young men and women
from the secondary schools are now able to pursue training in these
institutions of higher learning, both in the urban and rural parts of the
county. Universities have their constituent colleges spread all over rural
Kenya. Sadly North Eastern province is the only one missing out on this, but
this is story for another day.
The
Housing, micro-finance and banking industries have also grown tremendously.
Both residential and office houses are noticeably sprouting up within the city
and its environs. Do not forget about the slum upgrading project that has seen
thousands leave their shanties in the sprawling slums of Kibera for the
affordable and decent flats, built by the government. The entire country has
truly experienced the shrewd leadership of the trained economist and alumnus of
Makerere University.
However,
Kibaki’s leadership, especially the second term has been marred by its ugly
side. The corruption dragon has proved the hardest to slay. Scandals have had
their fair share of the national news, with minimal or no progress being made
to prosecute the suspects in court. Some of his lieutenants in the ministerial
posts have badly let him down as misappropriation of funds and embezzlement of
the tax-payers’ hard-earned cash has been the product of their ministries. The
free primary education scandal, Kazi kwa Vijana, the Mavoko cemetery saga and
the Grand Regency scandal among others, are the ugly and shameful faces of some
of the ministries. Sadly the cases just fizzled into thin air and disappeared
without even an inch of progress being made in their prosecution in accordance with
the law. The Hague nightmare and the 07-08 post-poll bloodbath have tainted the
peaceful history of this great nation. However, Kenyans and the entire world
must not forget that the now defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) and
other state organs failed in their responsibility to ensure a free and fair
poll. There was institutional failure, precipitated by public mistrust, lack of
trust and the vested interest to ensure the status quo remained.
The
10th Parliament failure to institute a local tribunal for the
post-election violence suspects led to The Hague process, a process that will
surely reshape the politics of Kenya! Then there is the terror threat that is
staring Kenya in her face since our defense forces dismantled the Al-shabab
terrorists. Our desire to instill the rule of law in lawless Somalia came at a
price. Police officers, innocent civilians and even members of our military
have lost their lives to the cowards and sympathizers of the Al-shabab. We are
leading the way in rebuilding Somalia, a move that the entire world has lauded.
Sadly, we are paying the price! The October massacre of at least 40 police
officers in Suguta valley can never be wished away. This is the deadliest worst
attack to befall our police force in post-colonial era. The Mombasa Republican
Council’s secession bid caused quite a stir in the governance of our country.
These are the sad and trying moments that as a nation we have had to endure
under the tutelage of President Kibaki; the murky waters that could only be
navigated safely by true patriotism.
These
tragedies have taught us bitter yet invaluable lessons that have woken up the
entire country. Reforms in the judiciary, under Chief Justice Willy Mutunga are
breathing fresh air of justice to the rule of law in all four corners of the
country. The new Inspector General of the police, David Kimaiyo has been sworn
in and reforms in our police service are fast gaining momentum. The integrity nightmare
contained in Chapter 6 of the new constitution, is fast moving to ensure better
leadership. It has rattled the merchants of poor leadership and impunity to
their core and they know that they are an endangered species. Kenya is on the
right path to reclaiming her lost glory.
Described
by many as a hands-off president, the man from Othaya has surely played his
part in putting Kenya back on her right track. He redefined presidency, both in
character and the manner of undertaking his business. He respected the ruling
of our reformed Judiciary and never sought out to impose himself everywhere.
This is a man who believed in Kenyans doing what is required of them and at the
right time. This was best exemplified by his comments on issues such as family
planning and illicit liquors.
His sense of humor has lit up many of his
addresses to the nation, especially whenever he signed off his speeches in
Kiswahili or a mixture of English and Kiswahili. The onus is onto the incoming
president to ensure continuity from where President Kibaki has left.
Fare
thee well Mr. President. The country will surely miss your shrewd stewardship.
