Where is the hero to save Kenya from political crisis?

Masikonte Secondary School students perform a Kamba dance during Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Narok Stadium on October 20, 2017. Kenyans are looking for a hero to dramatically steer this nation from the current disastrous direction. PHOTO | GEORGE SAYAGIE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • First and foremost, such a person should be ready to put aside his/her personal interests for the good of this nation.
  • That person is you. You are the hero that you have been searching for!
  • This is because there are many things you can do in your day to day life that can have a big impact in promoting peace and stability in our country.

The list of those honoured on Mashujaa Day this year is out and contains names of Kenyans who have extra-ordinarily contributed in building our nation.

Most notable in the list are our sportsmen and women, who have brought us joy and pride. Others are individuals whose selflessness and sacrifice in serving Kenyans touched our hearts.

A good example is Mary Mokaya, the student at Nairobi’s Moi Girls’ who lost her life saving her dorm-mates from a fire, which claimed 10 lives and injured many others. 

We marked the day at a time when the foundation of this nation, which is the work of the heroes we were honouring, was and still is under threat over the disputed repeat presidential election.

One part of the country voted peacefully while deadly rioting in the areas where Raila Odinga has a huge following forced postponement of the polls.

HEROES

Going through the names of our new heroes, one is left with a feeling that there is something wrong with the list.

It is not that those listed do not deserve the honour but it is an anxiety caused by our current political crisis.

Kenyans are looking for a Joan of Arc to dramatically steer this nation from the disastrous direction we are in, to a path of peace and prosperity.

The anxiety is still there despite the belief by some Kenyans that Uhuru Kenyatta is that hero and that he will save this nation from this looming disaster.

This thinking is disputed by those opposing his re-election and accuse him of high-handedness in his push for a repeat poll and in dealing with protesters.

ECONOMIC WOES

On the other hand, another section of Kenyans see Raila Odinga as that hero whose win in the August 8 presidential election was stolen.

But the supporters of Uhuru Kenyatta will hear none of this and, in turn, accuse him of trying to take the presidency through the Supreme Court.

They also blame him for the economic woes the country is facing.
Any suggestion that one of the other presidential candidates, politicians, businessmen or even religious leaders is that hero, will receive objection from some quarters.

This is because these leaders have taken a stand in the current stalemate, or have taken sides in the past.

QUALIFICATIONS

Another thing that will disqualify any of them from being the hero we are looking for is the tribe they come from or their past association with people from certain tribes.

Faced with a situation where there is not a single person in whom all Kenyans believe can be trusted to unite the nation, it is time to examine the qualifications that the unifying hero should have.

First and foremost, such a person should be ready to put aside his/her personal interests for the good of this nation.

That person should at the same time advance the interest of his/her supporters but still accommodate those of his/her opponents.

That person is you. You are the hero that you have been searching for!

IMPACT

This is because there are many things you can do in your day to day life that can have a big impact in promoting peace and stability in our country.

Whether working in a blue chip company or vending vegetables in the local market, whether you are a conductor in a matatu or working in a vernacular radio station, you still have a responsibility of preaching peace.

Keeping quiet when your colleagues or fellow travellers talk ill against members of a certain tribe is not enough.

It is by raising your voice and doing things which will make others appreciate the good in other people that will make the difference.

THROW STONE

In all the years we have known Raila Odinga, we have never seen him throw a stone at the police, or block a road with a burning tyre.

Currently, he has asked his followers to remain peaceful but tons of stones are being thrown in his name.

It shows clearly that it is the ordinary folks like you and me who are throwing stones, talking ill of other tribes and even planning revenge attacks.

Let us all remember that creating a peaceful nation starts with you and that anyone creating peace and maintaining it is the hero that Kenyans are looking for.

Mr Maina is an author and businessman andrewmaina2010yahoo.com