he short history of Kenyan politics cannot be described as democratic, although world leaders ascribe this term to our political system.
Democracy is a term commonly infused into many politicians’ speeches and is often adopted as a slogan by the public, who would like to believe in a better tomorrow. However, its realization appears to consistently move beyond the grasp of Kenyans. As Kenya emerged from the clutches of a one-party dictatorship in the early 1990s, the future looked bright and promising. That dream has since become elusive.
As a Kenyan citizen living in the United States, I feel a sense of loss as I watch my motherland burn. I empathize with families who are now hungry, sleeping in the cold and have to bury loved ones. I cry for my country and I weep for progress lost. I mourn the death of democracy.
The promise of a nation defined by free speech, respect for civic rights, reverence for human life, equity for all and impartial justice was obliterated when President Mwai Kibaki was declared winner of the recently concluded national presidential elections. In an unprecedented move, the incumbent was sworn in one hour after he was declared the winner. The diplomatic corps was absent from this important ceremony and the national anthem was not played. The country was plunged into chaos as neighbor rose against neighbor and property worth millions of dollars was destroyed. Supporters of the opposition felt cheated out of their choice for new leadership.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is crying foul, and both local and international observers agree the election process was filled with irregularities. The primary concern has been the blatant inflation of President Kibaki’s votes. Many fear Kenya may regress into a dictatorial state like that under the regime of former President Daniel arap Moi.
On Tuesday, President Kibaki appointed new members to the cabinet. This move by the president is a stumbling block to dialogue that could lift Kenya out of the current impasse, further muddled by the chaotic political situation in the country. By making appointments, the president could mire the pending negotiations, which are to be mediated by John Kufuor, president of Ghana.
During the past year, orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya have received invaluable support from generous members of the Bloomington and IU community. This support has been marshaled through Daraja Children’s Project-Kenya, an IU-based student organization that seeks to support programs and projects for vulnerable children in Kenya. Unfortunately, one of the projects we have donated to, Solid Rock Children’s Home, has been razed to the ground. Luckily, the children living there were safely relocated. We will continue to raise funds and other forms of support for vulnerable children in Kenya during this tumultuous period.
If you are interested in helping, contact Daraja Children’s Project-Kenya at www.indiana.edu/~daraja. You can also donate through other IU-based organizations such as Outreach Kenya at www.indiana.edu/~okdv, or IU-Kenya Partnership at www.medicine.iupui.edu/kenya/donate.html. Join us as we pray for peace, reconciliation and harmony in Kenya.
