If the late President Daniel Moi would be asked what he thinks of the current politics, he would want to talk about how politicians should use their tongues.
Moi would point out very clearly that the tongue is a little part of the body yet it can destroy the whole country in no time. During his time, he kept on telling politicians that whatever they want to say, they should think over it, meditate before uttering anything.
Politicians needed to learn to appreciate the context in which they make statements.
In other words, Moi would tell the current crop of politicians not to speak without evaluating the context in which they are in.
The current crop of politicians talk without thinking about where they are and whom they are addressing.
The largest part of their time at the podium, when they are at a funeral service or any other event, will be used to attack rivals. Here you are, you are in a solemn function, a solemn ceremony where people are mourning the loss of their loved one, but you use that opportunity to castigate your political competitors with very little regard to the bereaved family.
Careless talk is what Moi would have cautioned against. He would advise politicians to utilise their time wisely.
He would insist politicians use their tongues to build the nation, use it to condole with the bereaved family and not to destroy.
Moi would warn against inciting the public. Many are the times we hear utterances by politicians that could drive a nation to war.
Moi would say, hey boys, there is a life tomorrow that is to be enjoyed and you need each other.
He would them to go slow on each other. He would remind them that they have a country that should be peaceful for their children.
Franklin Bett, a former Cabinet minister, spoke to the Star
