Akin to tribalism and corruption, inequality is a cancer that seems too horrific for the government to confront, and a true quick pain reliever is the prescription and distribution of additional administrative units to every wailing community. But wait, for a lasting solution, should we go for symptoms or the root causes?
I mean, why must we continue and endorse a culture where major tribes proclaim tyranny in leadership positions and that, however qualified a leader is, his community of origin is the ultimate determinant? Look at a classic case of Nairobi leadership: Johnson Koskei Sakaja had to secure his election under the pretext of being a Luyha, while his roots are clearly known to have sprouted from the Sabaot community of Mt Elgon.
It's true and evident that the past and even the current regimes inculcate and perpetuate discriminatory leadership systems that have and continue to disfranchise minor communities. Leaving the disgruntled persons with the urge for self-determination without a deep thought on the real universal remedy.
Even as I sympathise with the marginalised communities, there are supreme questions that the national dialogue team must put into consideration, if at all a lasting and progressive settlement must be made:
First is Kenya's cosmopolitan nature; this country's settlement, just like other advanced jurisdictions, was established on a choice, need and affordability basis, and as is evident, a sizable population, especially the elites, has literally lived in various parts of the country, regardless of the native historical inhabitants.
This arrangement therefore sets the marginalisation crusade in motion, given that in nearly any county you can mention, there are always some minorities based on tribal extraction.
This situation begs the question: How far can marginalisation concerns go if we don't change our leadership discipline? Mark you, even in the counties with predominant tribal tags, we will realise that there are sub-tribes or even clans that feel shortchanged courtesy of their low population.
Therefore, as we seek a quick fix through an increase in counties, there is a need for a national policy to guarantee equity to historically marginalised communities.
And this must have a multifaceted approach based on carrot and stick that entails the promotion of national-hood ideals and the installation of merit systems in public service, while the perpetrators of these marginalisation schemes are heavily punished.
Good governance advocate
