Dropping The Other Shoe

"Filthy story-teller, despot, liar, thief, braggart, buffoon, usurper, monster, ignoramus abe, scoundrel, perjurer, robher, swindler, tyrant, field-butcher, land-pirate..." These very words were printed by Harper's Weekly regarding arguably the greatest democrat this world has ever seen, Abraham Lincoln. It is of no surprise really then, that Governor Okoth Obado was heckled in his own backyard (hell, Jesus was denied in his own hometown too) and chaos erupted before the very eyes of our Commander-in-chief to cap off an ironical event. Vain attempts by Obado and Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga only yielded a disparaging outcome of a pair of frantic moustaches.

We finally have a new-age President who directly calls hotline services, publicly adopts young budding talents, buys school buses for ecstatic girls, publicly contributes to noble causes, dons millitary apparel....I could go on and on, and really, what's not to love? And yet, our Migori neighbours would rather walk home barefoot than listen to his words of wisdom, literally.

Our third president needs to learn the patterns and principles of his predecessors to salvage any hope of tolerance in South Western Kenya.

First and foremost, he ought to understand the demographic significance of different people. Generally, the impoverished societal class loves a self-made man, you know, in a "started from the bottom" kind of way. Moi and Mwai both represented a dream for many, that you can actually work your way to the top, and as such they commanded respect and admiration. I am in no way saying that it is his fault that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and that ship is sailed. On the contrary, Raila was too, but he remedied that with getting his hands dirty from time to time, say in the fight for democracy. Even Mwai Kibaki would ocassionally take jibes at his driver just to connect with the people. Uhuru Kenyatta's actions, although effervescent seem planned, showy and forced on him really. He needs atleast one genuine and spontaneous "people-person" act. Mzee had his whisky harambee, Moi had his rungu ya nyayo, Mwai had....well his moments...you get where I'm going with this?

Secondly, he should reprimand and advise his advisors because clearly, they seem to be more of social than political advisors. There is time for everything - even the Bible can attest to that. Unfortunately, the president could not have picked a worse time to take his goodwill to Nyanza. In contrast, former President Kibaki had learned the art of timing during his tenure. In 2007 during campaigns, he was scheduled to officially commission the Sh. 12 billion Sondu-Miriu Hydro Power project in Nyakach, and also visit projects in Rarieda. The two functions were cancelled for unexplained reasons. Further functions were cancelled until 2009 when he had actually implemented policies like establishing more districts and then he could gracefully give political goodies. The Governor Okoth Obado is practically a persona non-grata in his governship and to top it all off, there is the white elephant in the room known as the referendum. This referundum hullabaloo has left the antagonistic Cord faithfuls believing the presidency will soon be up for grabs. Needless to say, the President needs to give his ultimatum on the issue. Furthermore he should radically work towards the implementation of the Constitution if he aims to leave the opposition looking like monkeys in a suit. Unless he can make radical reforms whilst in the highest political seat, he will forever be seen as heir to a throne.......and Mr. President, $15 primary school laptops and new NYS uniforms do not cut it.

Thirdly, our dear president should drop this condescending "rich-boy" aura he has since picked up. For example, these were his outlandish words in the aftermath of the actions of the over-enthuthiastic, rowdy youth, “Elections are a race and the race is over, so all leaders need to come together and move the country forward...I respect all the leaders and have never insulted anyone.” Simply put, he needs to stop addressing the leaders and speak to the people who put him in office for them to see a Kenyan leader, not a political tyrant son of our founding father. It is the least he could do.

Finally, now that our political heavyweight has witnessed the last kicks of a dying horse from the opposition, he can now settle and work for the people. His ICC tribulations are all but done and the referendum seems like the last card the opposition had left to play - which quite frankly is dead beat. With over three years left to govern this fascinating state, the president has his work cut out for him.

However, he should work fast lest he looks a gift horse in the mouth.