Let’s Criticize President Kenyatta but with Love.

In the fight against terrorism, human rights activists’ claim to basic rights for every person has often come out as unrealistic. The terrorists don’t give a hoot about the rights of the people they kill – indeed we heard of harrowing stories of how terrorists at the Garissa University terrorized not just the people they were mercilessly killing but also their families on phone. 

Human rights advocates have to ensure that they do not fall into ‘fundamentalism’ trap. Just like we have religious extremists who justify senseless massacres on account of religiously inspired political/social/moral goals, we can also have human rights extremism/fundamentalism, and I think we should guard against it. Unfortunately we do not live in a black + white world but rather one that has hues of all colours. We live in a nuanced world, and our foundational belief systems have to accommodate that. 

In response to the Garissa attack, our president gave an executive order (and they are becoming fairly regular these days), that is in complete contravention of a court order. Additionally in closing down accounts allegedly associated with Al Shabaab money conduit system, two human rights – MUHURI and Haki Africa also had their accounts frozen. 

There are some in the civil society who see in these two actions, a government that is decidedly focused on ‘inch-by-inch’ undermining both the judiciary and the civil society; and in the process consolidate power in the presidency – some even see this as a grand scheme in the creation of a dictatorship. 

That may or may not be the case. What is very real is that our country is facing very serious security challenges. We are at the front-lines of the war on terror. We also have a government in place, headed by President Kenyatta – and among their huge mandate is protection of life and property of every Kenyan.

It might be that the strategies they have elected to use are not the best or the brightest. Indeed I for one believe that we have Kenyans brighter and more selfless than the current crop of Kenya’s political elite. But these bright Kenyans are not the ones currently in-charge for whatever reason (flawed electoral process, gullible electorate, corruption you name it). 

Secondly, being president – if President Kikwete is to be believed is a stressful and thankless job  – so let us cut Mr. Kenyatta some slack. Let us all – ALL Kenyans of whatever political persuasions assure him and his government of our support. He is the guy in-charge and he will be, at least until 2017. 

But by the same stroke, let us continually urge of him to act within the confines of the law and the constitution. Let us remember our history, that when we do not have a functioning Judiciary, 2007/08 violence happens. And when we do not have a strong civil society, and democratic institutions, the Kenya of 1980s and 1990s, happens. There are some in government who are nostalgic of the Strong-MAN presidency of Moi and older Kenyatta – but to them I say – You cannot turn back the wheels of history – Kenya Constitution 2010 happened (Accept and Move On!). 

And to President Kenyatta – recall Mr. Kibaki’s speech at the handover in 2002. If you don’t have time for the whole speech, then this one paragraph from that speech will suffice –

“Fellow Kenyans: I'm inheriting a country which has been badly ravaged by years of misrule and ineptitude. [Applause] There has been a wide disconnect between the people and government, between people's aspirations and the government's attitude towards them. I believe that governments exist to serve the people, not the people to serve the government. [Applause] ...” Full speech is available here… 

Recall too, that Mr. Moi listened through this speech – sited right next to Mr. Kibaki. Your handlers might come for my neck, if I attempt to urge you to imagine being in Mr. Moi’s shoes one day when you hand over power, so I will not do it. Instead I urge you, to invite Kenyans to appreciating your success as president is indeed our success as a country, and supporting you is in fact in our best interest as citizens. Urge your competitors to present their competing ‘theory of change’ for a better Kenya without compromising our security or the rule of law – provide them a platform on which to air their views, after it’s an opportunity for you to crowd-source for superior ideas for building a better Kenya.