Politics is Kenya's Problem; Ken wa Maria vs. Kalonzo Musyoka

Chinua Achebe wrote a tiny book called 'the problem with Nigeira.' Like many story tellers he breaks down the cancer that has destroyed his country. If I was to extrapolate his book to Kenya, then our problem is bad politics. Former president Moi put it well; 'siasa mbaya, maisha mbaya.' (bad politics, bad living conditions)

Recently I watched Ken wa Maria (mutongoi wanzanze- wa wa) on TV perform during the Sakata final show and I remembered my escapedes through Ukambani. From Tsiekuru in Mwingi to the North to Emali to the South,from  Machakos to Kitui, wa Maria is a super star. He must be speaking to the core of the heart of Kamba community. I even met his look alike in Kitui, complete with artificial dreadlocks. I brought up the topic to a group of Kamba young men in my neighbourhood and they told me I can do away with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka but should not touch Ken. (sorry Mheshimiwa)

Then why have we elevated politics and politicians to deity status? If wa Maria can wield so much influence in the Vice President's backyard, then we have hope. Politics may be a necessary evil but we need to moderate it by raising other superstars from other sectors of life.This will make politicians tone down their antics to make news and get serious about finding their place in people's hearts like Ken wa Maria has done.

The late Okatch Biggy used to make influential Luos drive from Nairobi to Kisumu every Friday afternoon for a weekend dance. If we can raise such story tellers who can speak to us in our language, then we do not need to expect heavens from politicians who think with their stomachs and keep their minds constipated. I sound harsh, yes. Kenyans deserve better, help us God.

Proverbs 28:2 and12 (The Message)

² When the country is in chaos, 
   everybody has a plan to fix it—
But it takes a leader of real understanding 
   to straighten things out. 

²⁸ When corruption takes over, good people go underground,
   but when the crooks are thrown out, it's safe to come out.

kenyatta otieno          since 1978