Will Garissa University Massacre Reignite Our Collective Efforts?

For how long shall we bank our hopes to eliminate poverty, foster strong social relations, and enhance security of citizens and their properties on a big-bellied political class that shares not in the tribulations of a majority of us?  Has it not dawned on us that our lethargic bureaucracy badly needs a citizen-driven monitoring for service delivery to materialize?

Some issues just cannot add up. Some commentators have already pointed it out. The matter is known to all: Our hope is built on quick sand. We think big but do little when it comes to real work. We envision a peace-loving nation even when our individual contributions go against the very fundamentals of a peaceful nation.

So, what is wrong with us? Is there a way out?

I have confronted a great deal of political literature describing destinies of peoples, communities and even nations. Destiny of a nation, it's said, depends on two pillars: the collectives (the governed) and those charged with leadership responsibilities (leaders).

Both sides must work together for mutual benefits to occur. The former, in its capacity as the anchor of the socio-political construct wields an "invisible power" that keeps the latter working (of course for the benefit of all).

This "invisible power", as Gustave Le Bon points out in  "The Crowd" finds its "visible form" when the crowd (the governed) becomes aware of its place and responsibilities. 

Which brings us to our point: With the unending terrorist killings, endless political rhetoric, officialdom's in-fighting, high-level corruption, care-free government response to Wananchis' concerns et al squeezing our nation's heart, hasn't the "Kenyan crowd" found a reason to assert its position and push for national renewal?

It takes no schooling to decipher the collective role of a people. All one needs is this: Hope followed by action.

Isn't it then immoral for the Kenyan people to expect to live in peace when shielding of those charged with the cardinal duty of securing the nation is the order of the day? 

No, political involvement of a people has nothing to do with their failure to check government inadequacies. It's simple and clear: The "Kenyan crowd" sees things differently. Its perspective is that of individual first and of group second. It suffers from self-imposed blindness.

So, will things be different now that terrorists have slaughtered 147 young minds? Or will the Garissa University massacre just pass like that - like many others before? Will the Kenyan public now own up the process and push for enhanced security?

One thing is evident. The student population won't stomach this pain forever. Mark you; this group knows the undercurrents stalking our security structures. 

Though painful, I think it carries weight to admit some issues. Garissa University killings have just left a positive mark for Kenya. This unfortunate experience will bolster students’ voice vis-à-vis national matters.

Death of their colleagues negates the hitherto held affirmation that students are inconsequential and have little to contribute to the national narrative. History is clear on this. South Africa’s path to post-apartheid prosperity was tarred with students’ efforts.

 And this is where my fear comes in: are Kenyan leaders ready to shoulder the aftermath of another student massacre? Have they put in place elaborate processes to weed out the bad apples profiting from terror activities?

Now, are we ready to wall out the corrupt among us? The proposed Kenya-Somalia wall will NEVER stop terrorism. We must clean our house from within. The problem is with us. We must sort it out.

Interesting times await us. I hope Kenya will emerge the winner. Rest In Peace Garissa Victims.

Lemukol Ng'asike is an architect. Email:  lemoseh89@gmail.com. Twitter:  @mlemukol.