By Mapenzi Kitsao.
Mombasa, Kenya – In a time when unity and partnership among leaders are seen as crucial for the development of the country, Kenya’s political landscape is facing a conundrum that questions the sincerity of such unity. The recent expulsion of five Members of Parliament from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for interacting and supporting projects from a rival party has raised concerns about political allegiance and party loyalty versus the need for a collaborative approach to governance.
The backdrop of this controversy is the congratulatory messages and speeches given by various leaders across party lines when His Excellency William Ruto was announced as the President of Kenya. Many leaders, including those from opposition parties, extended their congratulations to President Ruto, emphasizing the importance of working together for the betterment of the nation.
Gideon Mung’aro, the Governor of Kilifi County and a member of the opposition party ODM exemplified this sentiment by expressing his readiness to collaborate with the president. “I am from the opposition party ODM, but these people from Kilifi are still your people as we are all Kenyan citizens. We will, therefore, work together,” Mung’aro declared during a meeting in Kilifi.
Similarly, Hon. Simba Arati from Kisii County, who also hails from a different political party, echoed the call for unity. “You are from another party, but you are now the president, so we must work with you because we have no other options,” Arati stated as he welcomed President Ruto to Kisii County.
However, the apparent unity and partnership espoused in these speeches seemed to hold little value when the ODM leadership took a harsh stance by expelling five of its members of Parliament. These actions were taken in accordance with Article 11(1)e of the Orange Democratic Movement’s constitution, which mandates the expulsion of members supporting projects from rival parties, citing betrayal of their party.
The ODM’s decision to expel its members who had expressed willingness to work with the president has raised several questions. How will leaders serve as ambassadors of peace and harmony to the citizens when party allegiance appears to take precedence over national unity? What message does this send about the leaders’ commitment to the development and progress of Kenya as a whole?
As the nation grapples with these dilemmas, the call for unity and partnership among leaders remains paramount. Kenya’s citizens are looking to their elected representatives to prioritize the greater good and put aside party differences for the sake of the nation’s development.
In a time when the country faces numerous challenges, from economic recovery to healthcare and education, it is essential that leaders set aside their political rivalries and work together in the best interest of Kenya and its people. The future of the nation depends on the ability of its leaders to bridge the gap between party politics and the collective goal of building a stronger, more prosperous Kenya for all.