Sadly, Turkana MPs Are Champions Of Politics Of Poverty

Former PM Raila Odinga and Turkana Governor Nanok being crowned as Turkana Elders

Politics, wealth and poverty are no strangers. For that very simple reason, political contests are materially premised on gaining more and more for oneself, and/or for a group of people being represented – locally and/or nationally. The crux of this matter boils down to one question: Who gains what, how and why?

This redirects my mind to another sister-point: That dry politics does not sell. Voters do not swallow rhetoric. They buy politics that can be transformed to something tangible. Something visible. Not roadside brouhaha. 

And this is why devolution - that post-2010 development experiment - is proving to be a darling of Kenya's wretched of the earth, to use that old expression.

Devolution has taken hospitals, schools, roads, water and above all, management of public monies to the village. Now, unlike before, the villager is king and queen. Her signature spells doom to hitherto elitist thievery. It is proving to be the greatest disruption mechanism ever invented by Kenyans.

Perhaps, only a supernatural force can fathom to stand on the way of this wave.

Let's move along. That is just one side of the coin. Flip it and get the sad reality - at least to "eaters" of yore.

Those whose political careers depended on the advancement of poverty are finding it hard to stay afloat. Like that proverbial enlightened fool, the hitherto submissive villager is ready to elbow her way through the messy path of political mobilization powered by poverty. 

Champions of relief food and other symbols of yesteryears' distribution-ism are a frustrated lot. People want solid, long-term solutions. 

Nowhere is this visible than in Turkana County. You need to read this synopsis first. Prior to 2013, political prowess in this oil-rich county was measured by how one could convince the district food honchos to release food rations to hunger-ravaged locals. Pro-people empowerment groups were vilified and pushed to the sidelines. NGOs that refused to tow the line had to pack and go.

Hoisted on this poisonous mantra was one cleverly crafted bottom-line: A poor people constitute a loyal grouping. Numbers, not people, mattered.

Evidently, when history will be written, the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar will feature prominently as the true friend of the people of Turkana. Take a walk to this vast territory and count the many landmarks attributed to the Church.

Across the road, two words pop up on the politicos’ corner: Destruction and obstruction - subterfuge at its best.

Cases of politicians and their hollow-minded sidekicks attacking teachers for being "too disrespectful of leadership" (whatever that means) are well known. Folks, Turkana's underdevelopment is not wholly as a result of externally-induced marginalization. 

Truth must be our guiding star. The enemy is domiciled within us. And we must ready our guns for a bruising battle.

Sadly, these forces of darkness have resurfaced. Their boldness speaks loudly. Their number one enemy is devolution, specifically, the County Government of Turkana. The next in line is anyone standing for inclusive progress. Number three is that poor woman and man who has seen some light.

Their end game? Crush all. Strengthen the institution of poverty and resuscitate demons of marginalization. Then take over the reigns of power.

Their modus operandi? Badmouth any development initiative. Hoodwink the population. Frustrate, torment and dampen the spirit of those spearheading such initiatives. Create conspiracies where none exist.

But one point is as clear as the skyline over Lake Turkana: Beneficiaries of politics of destruction are determined to protect their pot.

Why? A look into their constituencies' CDF accounts returns a damning verdict. How development (if any) is rolled out in their constituencies is an exclusive mandate of these faultless village cockerels. Well, you know where millions of taxpayers' shillings go to.

A weekend minus harambee is not a weekend. Who bankrolls these fundraisers? You already know the answer.

How do they perform in Parliament? The Hansard has the answer. I need not expend my minutes on this. These people have totally missed the way. 

As I write this, Community Land Bill, Petroleum Bill, and many other pieces of legislation that have a direct bearing on the lives of their constituents are before the National Assembly and the Senate.

Have they carried out community sensitization meetings? A big no. Are they at the forefront to defend the concerns of that herder roaming aimlessly around Lotikipi plains? No way. They are nowhere near Bunge.

And then you expect me to announce to you that we have leaders! These are joyriders. 

A sweetener is here: Information is our refuge. Devolution wave is our pillar. Development champions are our allies. Lodwar is our battlefield and 2017 is the D-day.

Promotion of poverty must disappear with oldies who have refused to evolve. #TeamWananchi is ready to act.

Lemukol Ng'asike is an architect. Twitter:  @mlemukol.