{UAH} Fwd.ed, Mandela Lessons on Inclusiveness, for Uhuru ...

Ecxerpt:

With Kenya on the verge of making global headlines of its own as the first nation to have a sitting head of state obliged to attend trial for crimes against humanity, the immediate parallel of course, is with Uhuru Kenyatta, and his current predicament.

For Mandela too was once tried for horrific offenses - terrorism to be precise - and even imprisoned for it. And yet that is not what the world remembers of Mandela. What we remember is that he managed against all odds to transcend the bitter legacy of apartheid and to unite a country which for centuries had been deeply divided along racial lines.

The parallel goes further: Kenya is at present a much divided country. In many ways, the deep - and mostly tribal - hostilities which came to the surface with the March 4 general election, are still as strong as ever, almost eight months after the new President was sworn in.

What the country needs most of all at this time, is a strong and unifying presidential effort. Some kind of initiative which will preach a gospel of inclusiveness such as that which Mandela symbolised in South Africa.

Involving two former Presidents, as well as the former Prime Minister (who is also President Uhuru Kenyatta's arch rival) in the events being held to mark the 50th anniversary of independence is definitely a good start.

But much more is needed. And in any event, having his Jubilee alliance actively pushing through Parliament, bills which are intended to suppress freedom of expression, and diminish the effectiveness of the NGO sector, are the very opposite of efforts at inclusiveness.

- End - Here.

Have Your Say.

 

- Peace, To The World /
- Amb. Ikanos Ka Doyen Alwasi Ata - Alواسعالهدية

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