This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Published on November 15, 2019, by MUTUMA MATHIU, a columnist for the Nation, this article highlights the issues plaguing Kenya's political system.
The author begins by expressing his discontent with the state of Nairobi, which he believes reflects the country's vaporous politics. He then draws a parallel with New Delhi, where the Indian Supreme Court recently reprimanded the state authorities for their lack of action on air pollution.
The author notes that the air quality issue in Delhi is complex, involving factors such as geography, topography, and a large population. He contrasts this with Nairobi, which lacks a proper mass transit system and has a governor who is more interested in counting tram cars than addressing the city's problems.
The author argues that Kenya's political system is designed to favor a nascent plutocracy, where wealth is coveted and admired regardless of its source. He contrasts this with the United States, which has a merit-based system that promotes talented and committed leaders.
The author then focuses on the Kibra by-election, which he believes was not a contest between the candidates but between their puppet masters, Raila Odinga and William Ruto. He questions how a matchup between these two leaders would benefit the people of Kibra, who are struggling with economic, social, and medical issues due to their environment.
The author concludes by calling for constitutional amendments that would address the country's problems, including corruption, tribalism, and disregard for patriotism and sacrifice. He argues that any amendments that do not address these issues should be rejected, and that the plutocracy should be advised to continue using the current Constitution.
