Politicians focusing on Raila at the expense of Kenya’s problems

Issues touching on Prime Minister Raila Odinga usually invite emotive support and emotive revulsion in equal measure.

Any politician wishing for a little publicity only has to blame Mr Odinga for his woes. It seems everyone who wants to be president wants to do so just because they want to stop Mr Odinga.

The script is not just left to the political class. Many bloggers cannot sleep unless they write something in support of or against the man.

Yet Kenya has a myriad of problems that we ought to be dealing with.

The common man cannot afford basic needs like food and housing, for example. This should be the priority for our leaders.

Our system of education is in a shambles to the extent that parents do not know what their children are being instructed on. The cost of medication is out of the reach. Corruption has reached alarming levels.

Our leaders have learnt the art of eating with no crumbs falling from their tables.

It has become fashionable to toy with the words “merit” and “professionalism” whenever cases of nepotism in public appointments are pointed out.

Are merit and professionalism confined to only a select few among us?

Kenyans truly love each other, and this can be attested to by how we stay together in our housing estates, eat together, play and pray together. We need a leader who will work for this unity in diversity among Kenyans.

Our transport system is in a shambles. Driving to work is hell on earth in Nairobi and other big towns. Our roads are full of potholes yet we are surcharged heavily on fuel levy to maintain the roads.

We need a leader who will ensure Kenyans have quality work for our money. We lack discipline across many spheres in Kenya. The police force has refused to enforce the law. Matatu drivers disobey traffic rules with abandon.

Kenyans are living in fear — of the police, of thugs and of politicians.

The country needs a leader who will implement the Constitution.

These are some of the issues I want to hear from anyone who wants to lead Kenya.

I believe Kenyans will go for leaders who address issues, not those who have made Raila Odinga their punching bag.

Odhiambo Oketch, Nairobi