Slowly, Smutty, and Steady

Kenya

4 min read

This watershed moment asks for more than introspection, it requires action. And to the best of my knowledge it should follow the line of first preoccupation, then belonginess, and concurrently elite cohesion. Reason being, all these are at our disposal and can be dealt with from a short perspective to long-term nation building.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 7, 2024/-- The pandemonium of June 25th , will be one of the signal events in Kenyan history. A moment of catharsis for Kenyans. Displayed in rage, and tenderness (camaraderie), and all that encapsulated into two watershed weeks is outstanding.

Condolences to the family and friends that sadly lost loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace. Quick recovery to those recuperating, and comfort to those rebuilding after destruction of their livelihood.

It will take time to really explain well what happened on that day. However, whenever there is a mismatch of governance and acts of leadership with the facts on the ground, reality sweeps in.

A foggy fortnight

Would your rather be loved or feared? Better feared than being hated. When Kenya was on the razor’s edge of lethal danger, I glanced back at its leadership. And had to reevaluate my understanding of hatred pegged on destitution and alienation.

What loosely gave me perspective was the impact of Kendrick Lamar’s latest hit diss track directed at Drake. Hate is a big driver (motivator) – passionate hatred – and in a low trust society its manifestation is total. Kenyans meted it out to its leadership with members of parliament running headless and hiding from them. And it was kind of mutual, as the ire of the Hill and some utterances of honchos soon exemplified (Maybe, they’re no like us.)

🎶 So-So media didn’t start the fire

It was always burning since the world's been turning

We didn’t start the fire

No, we didn’t light it, but we’re trying to fight it 🎶

I think I’m among the few, who believes that the impact of the rage machine and its constituent algorithm in mounting the upheaval is being overestimated, as this simplification allows for those accountable to maintain their peace. The origin and accelerants are self-evident and still remain as potent as before, but we choose to brush them under the carpet for a latter day.

Comradeship in a sinking ship

Kenyans have to be commended for their actions to fellow Kenyans. Kenyans for Kenyans was in action. From fundraising close to 20 million shillings within a span of hours on Mchanga. Medical practitioners answering the clarion call. Lawyers ensuring swift legal representation and accounting for those abducted. Business sheltering and quenching the thirst of protesters. Religious institutions offering solace and places of refuge. Just to mention but a few. (Wait! Hanifa running a proper decentralized NHIF/SHIF/UTC)

Today is Saba Saba. Bastille Day is exactly 7 days from Today. Will June 25th be as significant in Kenyan history?

What next for the great Kenyan experiment?

Preoccupation, Belonginess, and Elite cohesion.

This watershed moment asks for more than introspection, it requires action. And to the best of my knowledge it should follow the line of first preoccupation, then belonginess, and concurrently elite cohesion. Reason being, all these are at our disposal and can be dealt with from a short perspective to long-term nation building.

Wapi Kazi?

Preoccupation is majorly an issue of jobs. Kenya is constantly generating a large pool of youthful workforce with no work to do. Opportunities to alleviate this problem appear to achieve results gradually, as opposed to the speed at which its intended expect.

The Kenyan youth have a genuine concern that the government policies are not working and will not work. And the dream of persistent material well-being – hopefully, can be substituted to standard of living – that should be prevalent over a large proportion of Kenyans is currently impossible. Since, the reported growth is superficial to them.

All-in-all, this arena requires sustained investment in human infrastructure. Reading between the lines of not only the quantity of jobs (immediate), but also improving the quality of our workforce and jobs (long-run). Not to forget, an overhaul of how we think of culture, art, and sports in this country.(A franchise that props the jobs)

Less Ferragamo More Fair Game

Belonginess in the context of Kenya is a story of inclusivity with less of the prevalent plunder and prestige associated with it. Kenyans understand how well conspicuous display of generosity to denote power and prestige works in campaigning. However, they slowly find it abhorrent when the same is used in times of governance. (Kula, lakini usitutapikie!)

This caricature colonial plunder is the biggest hindrance to belonging in Kenya. What we fail to grasp is that, in looting you get a little richer, but not absolutely rich or wealthy over a longtime. (That’s for the vast majority of looters). Highly extractive in its nature, it is a negative-sum play on the inter-personal level, and a zero-sum game on the national level.

Why the elites?

Clientelism is the main organizing force within Kenyan politics. That is a socio-political configuration of mutual hierarchical obligations between the powerful “Wakubwa” and a network of “Wakenya” who depend on them, economically (capital holders), socially (harambee heads), or politically (representatives/brokers). Less of a meritocracy, but more of an important social safety net. And that is why when pesa haifiki kwa ground, wanapata salamu!

Thus the need for a more involved elite working together for project Kenya. The opportunity offered by this moment of historic significance should not go to waste. They ought to pursue for better governance, and in particular a Kenya devoid of the “credibility” gap, but more of accountability.

On 25th June, time stood still, but slowly, smutty, and steady Kenya changes!

Have a Sound Sunday!

By Phineahs Munene

email feedback to phineahs [at] wazomoja.com

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