ELITISM SHOULD BE DISCARDED AT ALL COSTS

                       

        Human development is anchored on the principle of inclusion and participation of all.It derives its philosophy from the belief that anyone in his/her individual capacity has a role to play and a component to contribute in the pursuit of development.

           With this in mind it is therefore imperative to note that no one is 'naturally' above the others by the virtue of being elite. Methinks the concept of 'elitism' has no place in a progressive society. Why? Let me unfold the reasons.

            Elitism is a concept of exclusion. It advocates for the creation of a 'club of like-minded wolves'. I call them wolves for a reason. They only push for their own nourishment. This group derives its motto from the philosophy of 'eating first and fast'. Their reflections are activated after eating.

            Without this they will and can never realize the existence of humanity around them. They are 'blinded' by this character. So when I hear somebody call me names and stating that I don't hail from Turkana County I only see that this elitist concept of exclusion has really taken root.

             Secondly, elitism kills dialogue. In any union there must be dialogue .With dialogue we gain more. With dialogue we get to know what others can contribute. With dialogue the social bond is strengthened. With dialogue we kill the spirit of exclusion.

             They say that man is not an island. Nobody knows everything. We know what we don't know by listening and talking to others. And this is what is called dialogue. So when you lock out dialogue what do you have in mind? Are you pushing for exclusion? Reflect on it!

              Elitism abhors participation of all. I have stated earlier that development is a product of participation. It is through this that we tap the talents and gifts of others. Between rural folks who come together for a fund-raiser of their own and an 'intellectual' seated somewhere in a busy city street with all his expertise, who is the real advocate of development? So before you look down upon that rural folk that hardly speaks English, compare their actions with what you know but remain confined within you.

               Elitist leadership is not pro-people and pro-development. In my previous articles I have repeatedly stated that leadership is derived from the people. Leadership is given by will. It is an expression of belief and confidence by the masses. They speak out through their leader. Thus a leader is a reflection of them. If they stink their leader too stinks. What moral ground do you have when you say that people are not knowledgeable and are unable to chart their destiny? This is a mockery of the confidence the people have on you. You literally say, "I was only interested in this leadership position for my own gains, not yours!" And this is what breeds frustration and violence.

                Elitism is not ready to pay the ultimate price to safeguard the will of the people. Paying the ultimate price is to walk with people; eat what they eat; interact freely with them; erasing the barriers of communication between a leader and his people; fighting with them and respecting their aspirations and visions. A leader who plays by these “rules” is not fearful of his life. He doesn't require bodyguards when visiting his people. His is in communion with his people. But with elitist mindset this is a pipe dream.