2017 Turkana Vote Will Crush Local “Elitist Formations”

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.