In one of his
academic exploits and writings about lives and times of major religious figures
as explained in the holy books, Prof Tariq Ramadan, a man of great insight and
vision, observed that “nature is the premier guide and intimate friend of
faith.” While his choice of words were informed by a religious background as
pertains that invisible bridge between God and humans, as political beings we
can still filter some wisdom from this, especially during this electioneering
period.
In Tariq’s
statement I find two solid and interconnected words: nature and faith. Now,
away from his religious world, lets venture into our politically charged air
and see what these could mean.
This is Turkana County and the year is 2017.
Devolution is visible and people – more so those at the county’s lower extremes
– have began to know what political representation means, and what it takes to
actualize it. Though slowly taking shape, there is also a sense of rebellion by
members of this lower cluster against what used to be regarded as their “center
of knowledge” and a symbol of formal education – the elites.
Out of their
frustrations – which some people seem to dismiss as empty – these members have
raised poignant questions concerning the legitimacy of learning (formal schooling) and
the fruits that ought to flow out of it. Just to comment on what this last line
could elicit among beneficiaries of formal schooling, this write up seeks not to blindly condemn the elite. During these
moments when political overtones tend to cloud everybody, questioning our norms
could be of importance to us as persons and the world around us.
The other day
a woman from my village, whom I respect so much because of her courage,
sharpness and objectivity, asked me to explain to her why they, who weren’t
privileged to go to school, should consider schooled candidates as their
leaders. She went ahead to underline her resistance towards “elitist
formations” that have popped up in this great county. In her view, these
formations are nothing but assemblies of hungry wolves seeking to capitalize on
their political connections to further disenfranchise the population. She
proceeded. Elitist formations, she said, are political pressure groups
populated by local “boys and girls” who went to school, are employed (some
still looking for jobs), can tilt political decisions in favor of whoever they
want and can buy in the financial muscle of influential business people within
their neighborhoods.
Then came the
shocker. In most cases, whomever these formations recommend has nothing to do
with aspirations of the population.
I tend to
agree with this lady. From her mouth, it is clearly coming out that rural folk
believe political leadership, vision and consciousness come with formal
education, and that its beneficiaries ought to exhibit these sweet qualities –
every day. On the other hand, the fact that a number of these schooled guys
have been trading on people’s lives is no more a secret. Village people can now
solidly stand and point at the direction of their woos.
Which brings
us to our question: what next; will this change of mind have a bearing on this
year’s political process?
Prof Tariq’s
input on the issue of nature and faith seems to reflect the outcome of that
lady’s game-changing analysis. In my view what used to influence the
believability of a political actor cannot comfortably fit in the present
political landscape. People are now moved by track records of a person, and not
the formations cheering in her support – their papers and pockets
notwithstanding. Which means, nature – visible evidence about a person’s
capacity to lead– is what enhances faith (political trust) in someone. The
truth of the matter is the people are determined to crush the building blocks
of those fruitless elitist formations.
I know this
determination will worry those whose survival was anchored on stagnation of the
majority. It is also very clear that many a people whose track records reflect
only wrongs will be swept away and the squads behind them will be forced to
reinvent their survival tactics.
The good news,
however, is that there will be nothing for the population to cry for. Yes,
populations can be clueless but they wont be so all the time.
Lemukol
M. Ng’asike is an architect. Email: lemoseh89@gmail.com. Twitter: @mlemukol.
