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Bumpy Road for BBI: High-level Constitutional Encroachment

Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) went through hell and back. There were so many legal hurdles facing the constitutional amendment process. The Court would later rule that BBI was unconstitutional.  First, it was ratified by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Committee (IEBC) which was underrepresented. The number of commissioners who approved the process after signatures verification failed to meet the minimum threshold. BBI was the key adhesive holding together Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. Uhuru and Raila are scions of Kenya’s founding fathers Jomo Kenyatta and Oginga Odinga respectively. The historic fallout between their fathers trickled to their progenies, which culminated with the landmark ‘presidential oath’ taken by Raila at Uhuru Park early 2018. Raila and his ODM brigade contested Uhuru’s 2017 presidential win, which was nullified by Chief Justice David Maraga.  The President and the Opposition leader surprised the nation when they walked down the stairs

Flaking Devolution: Kenya’s Most Endangered Political Species

The hallmark of 2010 Constitution of Kenya is the introduction of devolution. The second tier of government enabled equitable distribution of national resources among the 47 recognized counties. Its function is almost similar to the ‘majimbo’ system adopted in the independence constitution . The political cabal in Kenya includes the President, Deputy President, Speakers of Parliament, Governors, Senators, Members of National Assembly (MNAs), County Assembly Speakers and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs). Why Governors are the Most Vulnerable Politicians Among the aforementioned political class, governors are the most targeted in record of the political wars in Kenya. It is historically justified that governors in Kenya continue being fought by the Executive , Parliament and even the Judiciary . The combined efforts of the three arms of government have troubled, festered and mutilated the progress of various counties. Counties are in doldrums due to political battles bei

How Deep-rooted Tribalism, Corruption dented Kenya’s Reputation

Political leaders have become the prevalent impediment to the stability of national unity . The office of the President which is a symbol of nationalism has been relegated to the stature of advocating tribal bigotry. Tribes that have produced the President tend to own him more than other Kenyans.  Any constructive criticism against the Head of State has always been misconstrued to disrespecting the President. Governors, senators and other leaders from the ruling tribe normally hurl insults against any Kenyan who dares to raise concern over the state of the nation with regard to underperformance.  Tribalism was almost absent at independence. Kenyans aligned themselves with their African identity. The fact that they had triumphed over a common enemy bound them together. The edification process achieved with the ability of self-rule enabled Kenyans of all walks of live to freely travel all over the country and interact with people in other parts of the country. The sense of to

Kenya’s Darkest Moments: When the Country went down the drains

Some leaders deserve praise while others deserve vilification. Most Kenyans will never forget the aftermath of the 2007 General Elections. The somber image that engulfed Kenya during the start of 2008 was as a result of power greed.  The animosity between the incumbent President Mwai Kibaki with his closest political competitor Raila Odinga was triggered as a result of allegations of electoral theft. The election was reportedly rigged and the opposition chief disputed the final outcome.  The spontaneous ethnic-triggered clashes erupted in a section of the Rift Valley, Luo Nyanza and some parts of the Coastal region. Most People were displaced from their homes; some lost their lives while others became physically handicapped.  Humanity was at its lowest and Kenya was steadfastly going down the drains. The events leading to the post-election violence was hastily orchestrated in protest of the electoral outcome. The main antagonists were members of the Agikuyu community and

Kenya’s second independence: Constitutionalism and Multiparty Politics

During independence it was legitimate to form a political party and people were free to join political parties of their choice.   Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) was the first ruling party while Kenya Africa Democratic Union (KADU) was the first opposition party in independent Kenya.  Original KANU members were Jomo Kenyatta, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, James Gichuru, Tom Mboya, and Martin Shikuku.  KADU founder members were Daniel Arap Moi, Masinde Muliro and Ronald Ngala. KADU was formed with the sole intention of safeguarding the interests of the minority communities. The so called minority tribes wanted to cushion themselves from the Agikuyu Luo dominance. Soon after colonial flags were lowered, a move that culminated with the hoisting of the Kenya flag, leaders of the time conspired to squander the country’s resources. In quick succession, neo-colonialism replaced white-collar colonial rule. The hunters became the hunted.  Independent minded leaders who stood firm to pr