Why do retired politicians crave power?

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is seriously contemplating whether or not to plunge into next year’s presidential election in his country, because of the “unimaginable surge” of the old guard in the race.

The race has already become stuffy, with people like Atiku Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida soliciting for support from all quarters, including the army. As a gentleman Jonathan would rather watch from the sidelines, than slog it with these incredible power cockroaches.

In Kenya, the new Constitution has rejuvenated power passion in the minds of the perennial power-seekers. We hear that Mr Njenga Karume, Mr Martin Shikuku, Mr Oloo Aringo, Mr Joseph Kamotho, Mr George Nthenge and Archbishop Stephen Ondiek have all taken their soiled suits to the laundry, in readiness for the forthcoming senatorial and gubernatorial seats.

There are also those flexing their muscles to be Speakers of the county legislatures. But perhaps the most alluring seat is that of Senator, because the incumbent will lord it over five parliamentary constituencies.

It is not clear to some of us what is luring the people we thought had retired back to politics. Is it boredom at home? Is the glamour of power still beckoning? Or are they missing the headlines?

There are those individuals like Mr Aringo, Mr Shikuku and Mr Kamotho, who were great orators but could not deliver. Others like Prof Adhu Awiti and Mr Philip Okundi are said to have regarded Parliament as their retirement resort.

Why do these leaders imagine that when they return to power, they can succeed in what they failed to do in the past? Why are some busy sabotaging the efforts of their parliamentary successors?

Ideally, we cannot stop any Kenyan from seeking an elective public post. Doing so is everybody democratic right. Rather, our curiosity is on whether any of the old-timers, or any new ones, are capable of reshaping their attitudes to fit into the spirit of the new Constitution.

The old constitution neglected the poor. The new one is directing funds to the counties for development.
While some old politicians survived on dishonesty and impunity, the new Constitution insists that leaders must demonstrate respect for the people.

It states that leaders must display “objectivity and impartiality in decision-making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, improper motives, or corrupt practices.”

Indeed, the new Constitution vests on leadership “the responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them”.
The above are not simply empty words.

The new Constitution gives the public the authority to recall from Parliament or Senate a delinquent representative.
For the first time in many years, a lot of Kenyans feel satisfied with President Kibaki’s leadership.

Many are convinced that he is happy with the new Constitution and that he wishes to see it work before he retires. We pray that he does not get entangled in the looming succession politics, and that he bequeaths to us a clean, new, functional and prosperous Kenya.

Prof Ochieng’ teaches History at Maseno University.