Following the well orchestrated mutilation of the new constitution coupled with the flagrant abuse of public offices where corruption has become the norm, I have today, made an irreversible decision to stand for president of the Republic of Kenya. The bare-knuckle mutilation of the new constitution by the same cabinet that misled and goaded Kenyans to vote a document they were not willing to implement is a clear indication that the country has been led by the most corrupt criminal characters whom the country cannot entrust with the future of their children. The criminal gang leading this country from both sides of the divide has lost any moral standing to govern this country. Just recall the scandal after scandals that are being exposed on a daily basis! It’s my view that realistic and comprehensive view is needed in administering common affairs. Behind every decision, behind every issue there is a human being. Because every decision affects the children of today and tomorrow, we have to understand the consequences of our decisions and see matters also from the point of view of each individual human being.
This week’s mutilation of chapter six of the constitution - a chapter that gave some glimpse of hope for Kenyans is an exemplification of a country run by a dangerous cabal that are allergic to change. These are individuals who want to retain the status quo. They have gone behind Kenyans who overwhelmingly voted for this document especially chapter six to help curb the excesses in government and bring people of integrity to the positions of leadership. The experts were not inserting this chapter in vain because they were quite aware of the excesses in government and the un-ending runaway corruption! This cabal had since realized that the new judiciary will not tolerate the big-man syndrome in dispensing justice, hence, the haste with which the former Justice Minister was hounded out of office to pave way for a lame-duck Injustice Minister who had been brought in to act as the hatchet man. The new Injustice Minister, Wamalwa, is a young person who should have
upheld and promoted the aspirations of the youths in our society but he appears more confused and reckless in this important ministry. One would have expected that morality or commonsense would have dictated to him to think differently. Unfortunately, commonsense is not that common to some people neither has Wamalwa and his coterie of choir members has any moral imagination!
There has never been a better time for me to present my candidacy as the 4th president of the Republic of Kenya like this time. I have always nursed the ambition of one time leading this great country to a better future; the running chain of mega scandals that have stifled economic growth; and the empty rhetoric that add no value to ordinary Kenyans have prompted me to take this huge decision. I want to make it crystal clear that the presidency of this country is not for some select families. You can do it…and I can do it too! Today, we are starting a journey to change this country. We are changing the perception that the presidency belongs to some few families here in Kenya. Even though they don’t seem ready for the task ahead; they have always approached Kenyans with a sense of entitlement. I want Kenyans both at home and abroad to seriously consider my candidacy for I bring into the office a wealth of experience from stable democracies whose governance styles are beyond reproach. I want to bring back hope to Kenyans once again; and I assure that once elected president, I will ensure the chapter on integrity is reversed according to the wishes of Kenyans. Despite the fact that I have spent many years abroad as a professional, I have been quite in touch with the people and I share in all their predicaments. It’s for this that I must assure that my presidency will carry hope for change with clear policies that add value to the lives of our people. It does not help us to talk about reforms when we are not genuine about those reforms. It’s about time Kenyans vet individuals seeking elective positions by the character they have shown while in leadership positions. It would be stupid for us as a nation to elect individuals whose malpractices; corruption and contempt in government are so glaring and; has become the subject of public debate. I want see this country join the league of emerging markets by setting clear policies and strong institutions that goes beyond any individual in society.
This is a defining moment for this great nation. It’s a make-or-break moment for the middle class in this society and those who are hoping to join the middle class. Because what’s at stake is whether Kenya will be a country where working people can earn enough to raise a family, build a modest savings, own a home, secure their retirement, and feel secure in their homes.” My government will guarantee the people of Kenya enough security in their homes and their surroundings; enough safety on our roads; and also strengthen the middle-class. I have many ideas of creating jobs with team that will lead this new government.
The question that Kenyans must ask any candidate, what have you done positively while you were in office? How have you changed the lives of Kenyans? Has your office been involved in any corrupt activity? How have you handled such high octane explosive cases? How does corruption affect you as an individual? How does the national debt affect you as an individual? In your sphere of influence, did you favor anyone because of your relationship? It’s important for those who have been serving in government to address these questions and any other which I have left out due to space.
To my fellow countrymen and women, you have the choice to make; with the new constitution, it’s up to you to side with the same elements who have exploited the coalition conspiracy to enrich themselves up to the last donkey in the family or totally elect a new face to champion the path for reforms. This is a defining moment for Kenya and the ball is right in your court.
Dr. Otieno Mbare is a lecturer in Strategic management, Marketing, and International business - Finland
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