‘To be a successful politician in Kenya you need to be a skilful liar, dishonest person and a corrupt individual’ this was a summary that I got from an argument that ensued between some friends of mine. I have no better words to sum up, I only rest my case. A Member of Parliament will tactfully paint an image of a mortal or a saint but on the inside a chameleon is being given birth to.
I have keen eyes on politics. I have tried to seek answers and look for divine intervention, on why our honorable Members of Parliament have cultivate a culture of impunity of self serving interests and self righteousness. However, I am also not able to get a clear cut answer on what transforms a near saint, initially seen as honorable member into a chameleon.
The constitution has made it possible for youthful prospects to take up politics as a dream career choice. The number of political vacancies has increased with the coming of county governments. There is a tremendous likelihood that the current seating politicians will face stiff competition based on how their performances are rated. Who will blame the ambitious youth if they didn’t know why and how, some of these crop of politicians are swimming in glory?
Pseudo (false) promises
‘I will do this and I will do that’ …Do you remember the promise of a constitution in 100 days before and after the 2002 election, and did it come to pass? What was the lie all about?
‘I will ensure that all youth in my constituency are employed. I will build roads and hospitals immediately you make me your Member of Parliament,’ these and many others are the typical examples of promises made by aspiring politicians.
The new constitution cushions Kenyans against unscrupulous and self seeking politicians. Members of Parliament recently, went against the spirit and letter of the Constitution by literally and negatively exchanging with Kenya Revenue Authority with the aim of trying to assert some force of rejecting to pay tax.
The argument presented by Members of Parliament was infect a pre-agreement between themselves, the Executive and KRA that promised MPs they will be exempted from taxation until the end of their current term. This is an agreement that doesn’t augur well with the people of Kenya. First it is because it was done behind the scenes and secondly it is against what Kenyans wanted.
What about when Political leaders promised that Provincial Administration under PCs will not be abolished? It is now very clear that the stage is set for appointments of 47 new administrators to be posted to devolved governments as county co-coordinators to replace Provincial Commissioners.
Party hooping
The political party’s bill in its initial composition was noble. Its intent was to ensure that politicians and members of a political party don’t wake up one early morning and decide they are joining another party the next day and seek to be elected in that party.
It is sadistic that MPs decided to amend the political party’s bill, without putting into consideration that this is a bill that’s supposedly carter for future generations. If effected, then we will see opportunistic politicians jumping from one party to another without any fundamental and political argument that is deviant to his thinking.
