MINNESOTA, USA, MARCH 27 (IPS) – The dark road to democracy begins with the way the Kenyan Presidential elections are held in August 2022. Today, the Church in Kenya is calling dialogue between the ruling regime and the opposition. The issue here is not dialogue but the legitimacy of President William Ruto. The situation in Kenya reminds me of a similar situation in Rwanda in the early 90s.
In 1994, the World Council of Churches, the World Lutheran Federation and the Council of African Churches sent a combined mission to Rwanda. The mission’s findings reported that “churchs in Rwanda have been discredited by their excessive association with the former Hutu-dominated regime and its tribal politics”.
According to reports, one member of the delegation said: “In every conversation we have with the government and those in the church, we have come to the point that the church itself has been contaminated not by passive indifference but also by mistakes in duty.” Unfortunately, the church in Kenya today is affiliated with the ruling regime.
The Kenya Tragedy
Seven months after the Presidential election in Kenya, every organization, institution and government that had remained silent as if the Kenyan Presidential election were free and fair began to speak out. The current crisis in Kenya could have been averted.
The attitude of the African Union (AU), international community, government, international press and human rights organizations after last year’s presidential election makes the current situation in Kenya inevitable. In a democracy, except with his own consent, no one is prevented from enjoying the freedoms of assembly and association with others or the expression of opinions.
The Kenyan regime must accept this reality. In the 21st century, the forces against the development and maintenance of democracy and the enjoyment of human rights by African citizens are large and powerful. A political map of Africa to show gun-ruled and ballot-ruled countries, if implemented, would show only a few of the following. Such a map will not. however, show the real human tragedy that gunmen and their supporters and advocates have perpetrated on the peoples of Africa. In Africa, oppressive regimes, and most of them illegitimate as is the case with Kenya today, were the driving force of conflict. Gun use as it is in Kenya today is only a short-term remedy and creates a chain reaction to the problem. Promoting democracy in Africa not only serves the spiritual interests of the United States of America, but also helps to prevent war and reduce the flow of refugees. Preventing war in Africa and creating a peaceful democratic society is cheaper than war.
When General MacArthur conquered Japan, he wrote a new constitution for the Japanese people. This constitution became the mainstay of Japanese democracy. The United States and other Western European nations helped Japan build its economy.
Today, Japan is the leading economic power in Asia. If this works for Japan, a country with no natural resources, what about Africa with abundant natural resources? General MacArthur did not do it alone, it took the commitment of part of the Japanese people to rebuild their country. In the case of the current Kenyan crisis, it is important to address the Hon. Raila Odinga raised about the server to bring transparency in the election process. Kenyans need to address accountability, corruption and transparency. Policymakers in Washington should revive an effective policy that will enforce political reforms and limit electoral errors across Africa. Overhaul bilateral relations with individual countries and the conditions attached to US foreign aid.
Such conditions should include human rights violations, political reform, electoral reform, accountability, good governance and transparency. Washington should emphasize respect for the territorial integrity of each country. No country in Africa has the right to invade another country for selfish gain. A civilized country cannot engage in military coups, mutiny activities, political assassinations, and serious human rights violations. The United States has a responsibility to promote democracy and good governance throughout the African continent. For any democracy to grow and mature, there needs to be accountability, transparency, and an effective constitution that reflects the will of the people and allows for political freedoms such as (a) Freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the press and other media. (b) Freedom to assemble and demonstrate with others peacefully, unarmed, and petition. (c) Freedom of association includes the freedom to form and join associations or associations, including trade unions and other political and civil organizations.
Pastor Gabriel Odima is President & Director of Political Affairs, Center for Africa Peace & Democracy, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 USA E-mail: [email protected]
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