I do read political economy literature a lot. It is my favorite pass time. I recently discovered to my disappointment that Kenya’s post election violence and disputed elections have attracted numerous international political economy studies with very damaging perspectives.
In fact Kenya’s image at the global platform has been tragically defiled by the numerous occurrences of election violence and disputes so much that these are captured in many global study reports of political economy analysis.
These reports are within reach of international capital and institutions influencing international trade and may very well be impacting negatively on Kenya.
This country deserves better than being perceived as not having institutional capability to manage domestic politics and elections maturely and effectively. It is unfortunate that Kenya’s political formations are personality driven and designed to mobilize supports by encouraging polarization and negative ethnicity.
It is my thesis that much as fixing the economy and collapsing health care system is so urgent, there is also a need to prioritize initiating a none partisan technocratic process to formulate a comprehensive long term institutional response to the question that always underlie the persistent occurrences of election violence and disputes. I hold the view, that Kenya cannot, should not and must not give room to possibility of another elections violence or fraud at all. Zero possibility of election violence and fraud policy is a must before 2022 general election.
This is not an argument of validation of the BBI process which is structured around partisan political interest.
This is a matter which is central to our economic development and attainment of beneficial positions in the global economic system and sustainability of our economic dominance in the region of East and Central Africa.
It is about looking at our country through the lenses of patriotism and nationalism as opposed to loyalty to a political party or personality with political interest.
Patrick Tom Odongo
Consulting Urban Planner