People should be free to pick their leaders

The role of elders in local politics has come into a sharp focus. This is particularly so in some areas, such as the northeastern region, where elders have the final word on who should be supported or abandoned in their political bids.

Much as negotiated democracy is a feasible alternative under our constitution, what these monopolistic and amorphous settlements by some elders are doing can be likened to dictatorship.

Some people have expressed concerns that the elders might be taking advantage of the high esteem in which they are held and the influence they have in among their peoples to force their preferred candidates on the public.

Without a clear framework of negotiation and anointment where all members of the community have an equal chance to scrutinise the personality and development track record of each aspirant to determine their suitability for the various elective posts ahead of the General Election, what the elders are doing is an affront to democratic principles and values such as openness, citizen participation, and transparency.

Furthermore, let us not forget that these leaders are expected to serve all equally when they ascend to power. It is, therefore, difficult to fathom the motives behind the elders’ need for monopoly of ideas when it comes to choosing political candidates.

One undeniable fact that we all need to bear in mind is that Kenyans are tired of prescribed solutions for their problems and want to design their own destiny.

This spirit was obvious during the referendum in 2010 when they voted overwhelmingly to approve the current Constitution, which allowed decentralisation of power and resources to the grassroots through devolution.

MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS

Equally important, the Constitution has empowered mwananchi to participate in the budget-making process and the hiring and firing of State officers, among them elected leaders.

From the progressive developments above, it is absurd that some people think they can make important socio-political decisions for wananchi without their participation.

The history of the northeastern region has shown time and again that when appointments are subjected to a participatory and merit-based process, the results are amazing. One of the success stories of elder intervention was that of Abdi Aress Mohamed, who was picked from his veterinary career in the government by his Abduak clan because of his leadership qualities.

He left an imposing legacy during his 15-year stint in Parliament and was instrumental in the setting up of development projects such as the Garissa Provincial General Hospital and the Garissa Provincial Library.

While residents of Mandera and Wajir are ecstatic about driving on their first tarmac roads today, thanks to devolution, Mr Aress ensured that the people of Garissa enjoyed such roads five decades ago.

The elders are betraying their stature in society and the public trust they enjoy among the people by lowering the bar and imposing opaque and mediocre leaders.

Now we hear that some elders are determined to retire able leaders who have been instrumental in championing the welfare of their constituents and the larger Somali and Muslim community in Kenya, which is currently grappling with many challenges due to extremism and terrorism. The elders should review some of their recent actions and instead create a mwananchi-centred and meritocracy-driven discourse on the choice of the community’s political leadership come 2017.

Whatever is agreed upon should be of value to the people and have the capacity to propel them from the marginalisation they continue to suffer.

Mr Mohamed is correspondent based in Garissa town. [email protected].