SIMATWA: Raila faces statesman's litmus test

The government hopes to have a truce with its jilted counterpart, in a move to silence the calls for anti-government rallies, and sneaking opposition to the governance structure seems to settle this perfectly. It's an idea conceived by the opposition itself. 

At the moment, the nation cannot stand an opposition motivated to incite the public to rallies against the ruling regime. It would not only be a setback to the government but also a disservice to the people, because when the leadership is crippled, the people stand to lose.

In its first rally's press briefing, the opposition built a formidable case against the government, highlighting vital blunders being committed that are likely to revert the constitutional gains so far achieved—a reward system instead of professionalism, favouritism and tribalism in the public appointment process that is taking root in the new regime.

Admittedly, the issues highlighted reflect the consistent challenges Raila Odinga has vowed to deal with decisively if granted the opportunity to lead the country.

Kenya, our mother—perhaps it receives more respect if we refer to it as such—indeed has had a myriad of historical challenges that no regime has courageously sought to confront despite frequently being used as campaign items of persuasion. Historical injustices, tribalism and a lack of meritocracy to mention but a few.

These issues have failed to receive serious attention in all previous arrangements in which the opposition has met the government through various circumstances, ie, during Nusu Mkate and handshake regimes. This paints a picture of leaders who only serve their own interests and not those of the public.

It should be clear that conspiring to outwit whichever side of leadership is in power is to the detriment of the public and is always injurious to the nation. The only win-win situation comes when we all, despite our political persuasion, sacrifice our interests for the country before our nation gets even weaker to defend us, our children, and our children's children when it's called to eventually.

Even as the government warms up to embrace the opposition, all keen eyes are trained on Raila Odinga. Will he grasp the opportunity? And shall it serve to advance the nation's interests or shall it serve to neutralise the opposition's thirst for power?

Whatever the deal, because power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, leaders from both sides of the divide must be cautioned against going to the same bed against the Kenyan people, as has been witnessed before.

The government should not take this opportunity to coddle the opposition beyond undertaking its oversight role. Likewise, the opposition must not allow the government to continue blundering so as to justify their superior thoughts before the public in the hope of succeeding the current regime in the next election.

It's therefore our hope that this time around, whether the opposition is entrenched in the governance structure or not, no critical public concern will be spared until last. No side should hold back a great idea in the hope that its realisation will deny it the glory of achievement.

Good governance advocate. [email protected]