KENYA’S POST-ELECTION CRISIS: FINDING MEANING
Written by Kwani · January 10, 2008
If meaning has been manipulated leading to us killing each other, let us manipulate it so that we do not kill each other. - W.M
In the last couple of days, a group of Kenyan writers have been meeting to analyse and whack out ways to respond to the post-election crisis in Kenya.
One way has been through the production of a series of opinion pieces under the byline of Concerned Kenyan Writers. These pieces have and continue to be placed in various media outlets locally - Nairobi Star, Daily Nation and the East African- and internationally: New York Times, South Africa’s Mail & Guardian and Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung.
The aim of these opinion pieces has been to present a human face to the Kenyan post-election crisis; to counter the static images and impressions of escalating violence and anarchy in the foreign press and to document this turning point in our nation’s history for posterity.
Many articles have been written and many more continue to be written. With the express permission of all the writers involved and with the intention of keeping the conversation; the emerging dialogue alive, we will among other things, publish some of those pieces on this blog over the next couple of weeks.
We know that what we have now are just a fraction of the voices and we are willing to throw this space open for all those others, be they writers, ideologues, social scientists or else, that want to join us. Send us an email through matathia@kwani.org or drop us a comment in the comments box of this blog.
There are also many other people that are doing what we are doing: (re) examining the Kenyan situation and we look forward to working with them towards building broader and more efficient synergies.
I think it is a great idea to get Kenyan writers and poets involved in the global dialogue online, especially in an effort to help stop the violence that has taken place after these elections. I learned about Kwani (the blog) today via a brief Heads Up post by Ndesanjo of Global Voices Online.
Also, I appreciate the PDF file download of the Süddeutsche Zeitiung feature story about your collective efforts to speakout against the violence and the political crisis in Kenya. German language text is always useful for many of my readers in our neck of the woods (Deutschland). You may be interested in a similar article focusing on Kenyan writers at the NZZ Online (Neue Züricher Zeitung). See the January 11th article “Der Fluss dazwischen” (The River between) by Axel Timo Purr. Here is the URL with a brief English-language summary from this week’s “From the Feuilletons” feature at Germany’s SignandSight.com:
http://www.signandsight.com/intodaysfeuilletons/1637.html
African specialist Axel Timo Purr describes how Kenyan writers react to the country’s violent conflicts. Author David G. Maillu, for example, suggests a new form of government based on age and gender. “Maillu proposes a tri-cameral parliament, composed of a chamber for men, one for women and another for youths. This structure is reflected right down to the village level. Votes take place only within each group. The president is elected by men and women, while the youths – 18-25 year olds – choose the prime minister.”
hi, i’m a kenyan who has watched with great concern as the leaders fuel an already raging fire in our country. we need to watch the words we use in both speech and writing. let us not worsen the situation at handbut strive to bring peace to our beloved nation.
I am a Kenyan and I am as baffled as I am Kenyan about our crisis.
I agree with Jecinta. Caution is needed in the language with which we write. I have read and listentened to one side then to the other and to the one in between, and at times cannot help but detect subtle (conscious or not) and some not so subtle nuances characterisitic of what is at the core of our crisis at hand. The wounds are fresh and therefore it is understandable, for the sake of healing to go the process, beginning by naming the devil ‘tribalism’, ‘ethnicity’, etc. One way or the other we are all more or less right and all more or less wrong. So, let us tackle the question ‘where to now? …and how?… and save this land of ours.
Am a Kenyan, greatly appalled by the current political on-goings in the country. I believe that we as writers ought to be cautious in the language that we use. Our beloved Kenya is at a vulnerable period, any careless utterances could severely plunge us into deeper anarchy. Peace may at the moment seem far, but where there’s hope, there is peace. Let’s spell hope as writers.
Am a Kenyan, it is really hurting to see our beloved country flooded with blood. We cannot even go back to school coz of this and economy too is dead now. I appeal to all our leaders to come togther and save this country before it is too late.
Peace to you all out there,
I am a 19 year old female cameroonian,studying first year journalism.
It is really rather unfortunate that thepatriotic kenya of the mid 20th century is no more.It is even more questionable that despite the number of deaths registered in the early days of the crisis,the leaders still pulled on with an insatiable quest for power.
Congratulations to you kenyan writers and more greese to your elbows while i pray that God should be the one to guide your actions and thoughts as you select what you write and publish because indeed what we write is never certain until when the public reacts.
PEACE!!!!!!!
POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA
Why the youth?
By
OBONYO raphael
Post lection violence and the youth
Kenya is slowly making attempts to recover from what has been described as the worst political crisis in her history. There can be no doubt that the post election violence that was triggered by the announcement of the disputed presidential results on the 30th December 2007 will forever remain to haunt many Kenyans. The mayhem left over 600,000 Kenyans internally displaced, over 1,000 innocent men, women and children dead, scores of others seriously injured while, property worth billions vandalized. It was a moment when the rule of law and human rights were considered alien to the Kenyans as many chose to trample rights and freedoms with impunity. The deaths, pain and destruction that characterized the post election violence left permanent scar in our history.
Many people are still trying to come to terms with what happened. Many more people still wonder why Kenyans fought one another and engaged in widespread killings, displacement and destruction of property. Doubtlessly, the youth played an unbelievable role in perpetuating the post election violence. While their large numbers and negative participation is not in doubt, the big question that still remains unanswered is the reason for their involvement.
One can only be hopeful that the proposed Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission and IREC will help unearth the real causes for the violence. Though it is agreed that the disputed presidential election results was just a trigger the nature and causes of the violence differed from one location to another. In some parts of the country the violence resulted from disorganised and spontaneous protests and police excesses while in other areas the violence resulted from organised militia activity and communal revenge. I am cautious not to pose like I know the real reasons that led to the violence nevertheless I wish to discuss two issues that could have led to the massive involvement youth in the post election violence.
a) Negative Ethnicity
The heightened levels of ethnic hatred occasioned by stereotypes, discrimination and disparities in allocation of opportunities based on ethnicity could have been a factor that led to the involvement of youth in the post election violence. What began as post election protest against fraudulent election results turned into a deadly ethnic conflict. Many communities rallied their youth to form militias and gangs to launch attacks or provide defense. Noteworthy is that many people sought refuge in their tribes. Like it has always been the case in Kenya, tribe was seen as a unit for mobilization and organization and youths as the main guards. Youths are always expected and encouraged to protect their tribes at all costs.
While ethnic identities are not bad, the problem is that many Kenyans have been made to think or at least believe that some tribes are better or more superior while others are inferior. Tribalism has pervaded all facets and corners of the country. While many blame the colonialists for using ethnicity to divide Africans, the post independent African governments and leaders have always perpetuated negative ethnicity for their own selfish interest. This is what youth inherit and are treated to.
b) Class war
The looting and vandalism of property that characterized the post election violence in Kenya can serve to explain the argument that the mayhem was a class war. Kenya is listed in the league of top ten countries that are so unequal. The gap between the rich and the poor are immeasurable. Surprisingly youth form the largest statistics of those who are unemployed, impoverished and illiterate. As a result they are forced to engage in precarious and sometimes fatal activities that range from crime to drug abuse. They become easy prey for politicians who give them handouts to engage in heinous activities. This was evident before elections, during elections and has been cited as a catalyst for the post election violence.
While youths form about 60% of the total population in Kenya the representation and inclusion in decision making is not comparable to their numbers. They are still excluded from processes that could help them address their problems or contribute positively to the society. Many youths in Kenya inherit poverty and are further impoverished by the governance systems and operations.
Way out
Is the involvement in the post election violence an indication that youth leadership and participation is a pipe dream? I don’t think so. The post election violence has put youth on the spot. The youth must not shy away from taking responsibility for their regretful actions. On eth other hand Kenyans must realize that the mayhem also exposed the tribulations of the youth that need to be given adequate attention. In this view, there is need for greater engagement of Youth in the search for the solution and reforms that have been proposed. The proposed remedial processes offer youth an opportunity to claim a better future and discard the rotten past.
Youth must demand for greater representation in the Truth Justice and reconciliation commission. Youth must participate actively in the constitutional review and ensure that the reviewed document will help rebuild a more just and equitable country. Finally youth must unite and refuse to be used to perpetuate violence. END
POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA
Why the youth?
By
OBONYO raphael
Post lection violence and the youth
Kenya is slowly making attempts to recover from what has been described as the worst political crisis in her history. There can be no doubt that the post election violence that was triggered by the announcement of the disputed presidential results on the 30th December 2007 will forever remain to haunt many Kenyans. The mayhem left over 600,000 Kenyans internally displaced, over 1,000 innocent men, women and children dead, scores of others seriously injured while, property worth billions vandalized. It was a moment when the rule of law and human rights were considered alien to the Kenyans as many chose to trample rights and freedoms with impunity. The deaths, pain and destruction that characterized the post election violence left permanent scar in our history.
Many people are still trying to come to terms with what happened. Many more people still wonder why Kenyans fought one another and engaged in widespread killings, displacement and destruction of property. Doubtlessly, the youth played an unbelievable role in perpetuating the post election violence. While their large numbers and negative participation is not in doubt, the big question that still remains unanswered is the reason for their involvement.
One can only be hopeful that the proposed Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission and IREC will help unearth the real causes for the violence. Though it is agreed that the disputed presidential election results was just a trigger the nature and causes of the violence differed from one location to another. In some parts of the country the violence resulted from disorganised and spontaneous protests and police excesses while in other areas the violence resulted from organised militia activity and communal revenge. I am cautious not to pose like I know the real reasons that led to the violence nevertheless I wish to discuss two issues that could have led to the massive involvement youth in the post election violence.
a) Negative Ethnicity
The heightened levels of ethnic hatred occasioned by stereotypes, discrimination and disparities in allocation of opportunities based on ethnicity could have been a factor that led to the involvement of youth in the post election violence. What began as post election protest against fraudulent election results turned into a deadly ethnic conflict. Many communities rallied their youth to form militias and gangs to launch attacks or provide defense. Noteworthy is that many people sought refuge in their tribes. Like it has always been the case in Kenya, tribe was seen as a unit for mobilization and organization and youths as the main guards. Youths are always expected and encouraged to protect their tribes at all costs.
While ethnic identities are not bad, the problem is that many Kenyans have been made to think or at least believe that some tribes are better or more superior while others are inferior. Tribalism has pervaded all facets and corners of the country. While many blame the colonialists for using ethnicity to divide Africans, the post independent African governments and leaders have always perpetuated negative ethnicity for their own selfish interest. This is what youth inherit and are treated to.
b) Class war
The looting and vandalism of property that characterized the post election violence in Kenya can serve to explain the argument that the mayhem was a class war. Kenya is listed in the league of top ten countries that are so unequal. The gap between the rich and the poor are immeasurable. Surprisingly youth form the largest statistics of those who are unemployed, impoverished and illiterate. As a result they are forced to engage in precarious and sometimes fatal activities that range from crime to drug abuse. They become easy prey for politicians who give them handouts to engage in heinous activities. This was evident before elections, during elections and has been cited as a catalyst for the post election violence.
While youths form about 60% of the total population in Kenya the representation and inclusion in decision making is not comparable to their numbers. They are still excluded from processes that could help them address their problems or contribute positively to the society. Many youths in Kenya inherit poverty and are further impoverished by the governance systems and operations.
Way out
Is the involvement in the post election violence an indication that youth leadership and participation is a pipe dream? I don’t think so. The post election violence has put youth on the spot. The youth must not shy away from taking responsibility for their regretful actions. On eth other hand Kenyans must realize that the mayhem also exposed the tribulations of the youth that need to be given adequate attention. In this view, there is need for greater engagement of Youth in the search for the solution and reforms that have been proposed. The proposed remedial processes offer youth an opportunity to claim a better future and discard the rotten past.
Youth must demand for greater representation in the Truth Justice and reconciliation commission. Youth must participate actively in the constitutional review and ensure that the reviewed document will help rebuild a more just and equitable country. Finally youth must unite and refuse to be used to perpetuate violence. END
POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA
Why the youth?
By
OBONYO raphael
Post lection violence and the youth
Kenya is slowly making attempts to recover from what has been described as the worst political crisis in her history. There can be no doubt that the post election violence that was triggered by the announcement of the disputed presidential results on the 30th December 2007 will forever remain to haunt many Kenyans. The mayhem left over 600,000 Kenyans internally displaced, over 1,000 innocent men, women and children dead, scores of others seriously injured while, property worth billions vandalized. It was a moment when the rule of law and human rights were considered alien to the Kenyans as many chose to trample rights and freedoms with impunity. The deaths, pain and destruction that characterized the post election violence left permanent scar in our history.
Many people are still trying to come to terms with what happened. Many more people still wonder why Kenyans fought one another and engaged in widespread killings, displacement and destruction of property. Doubtlessly, the youth played an unbelievable role in perpetuating the post election violence. While their large numbers and negative participation is not in doubt, the big question that still remains unanswered is the reason for their involvement.
One can only be hopeful that the proposed Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission and IREC will help unearth the real causes for the violence. Though it is agreed that the disputed presidential election results was just a trigger the nature and causes of the violence differed from one location to another. In some parts of the country the violence resulted from disorganised and spontaneous protests and police excesses while in other areas the violence resulted from organised militia activity and communal revenge. I am cautious not to pose like I know the real reasons that led to the violence nevertheless I wish to discuss two issues that could have led to the massive involvement youth in the post election violence.
a) Negative Ethnicity
The heightened levels of ethnic hatred occasioned by stereotypes, discrimination and disparities in allocation of opportunities based on ethnicity could have been a factor that led to the involvement of youth in the post election violence. What began as post election protest against fraudulent election results turned into a deadly ethnic conflict. Many communities rallied their youth to form militias and gangs to launch attacks or provide defense. Noteworthy is that many people sought refuge in their tribes. Like it has always been the case in Kenya, tribe was seen as a unit for mobilization and organization and youths as the main guards. Youths are always expected and encouraged to protect their tribes at all costs.
While ethnic identities are not bad, the problem is that many Kenyans have been made to think or at least believe that some tribes are better or more superior while others are inferior. Tribalism has pervaded all facets and corners of the country. While many blame the colonialists for using ethnicity to divide Africans, the post independent African governments and leaders have always perpetuated negative ethnicity for their own selfish interest. This is what youth inherit and are treated to.
b) Class war
The looting and vandalism of property that characterized the post election violence in Kenya can serve to explain the argument that the mayhem was a class war. Kenya is listed in the league of top ten countries that are so unequal. The gap between the rich and the poor are immeasurable. Surprisingly youth form the largest statistics of those who are unemployed, impoverished and illiterate. As a result they are forced to engage in precarious and sometimes fatal activities that range from crime to drug abuse. They become easy prey for politicians who give them handouts to engage in heinous activities. This was evident before elections, during elections and has been cited as a catalyst for the post election violence.
While youths form about 60% of the total population in Kenya the representation and inclusion in decision making is not comparable to their numbers. They are still excluded from processes that could help them address their problems or contribute positively to the society. Many youths in Kenya inherit poverty and are further impoverished by the governance systems and operations.
Way out
Is the involvement in the post election violence an indication that youth leadership and participation is a pipe dream? I don’t think so. The post election violence has put youth on the spot. The youth must not shy away from taking responsibility for their regretful actions. On eth other hand Kenyans must realize that the mayhem also exposed the tribulations of the youth that need to be given adequate attention. In this view, there is need for greater engagement of Youth in the search for the solution and reforms that have been proposed. The proposed remedial processes offer youth an opportunity to claim a better future and discard the rotten past.
Youth must demand for greater representation in the Truth Justice and reconciliation commission. Youth must participate actively in the constitutional review and ensure that the reviewed document will help rebuild a more just and equitable country. Finally youth must unite and refuse to be used to perpetuate violence. END
MY BIKE
By Mwashi Litonde Peter
This poem is inspired by a story of a small boy living as an internally displaced person in the Rift valley Kenya after the post election violence witnessed in the country as a result of disputed results of the presidential election, announced on 30th December 2007.
The violence left over 200,000 people displaced and more than 1000 dead. The worst affected area was the cosmopolitan Rift valley. Women and children suffered the most.
The boy was in the Kenyan media on the material day he went back for his bike. I can only imagine his feelings as he awaits what the future holds for him and many in the camp.
I once owned a bike, a good bike,
This bike was part of me,
A treasure that I can’t measure
It perfectly, suited me, served me!
A bike that no one couldn’t like!
It would take me to school,
I would use it to go to the shops,
And more so to visit my friends!
With my bike we all shared a ride,
One after the other, together we enjoyed.
But I left my bike behind, out in rain,
When everyone was running for their life,
How come I didn’t remember
That with my bike I would be faster?
My bike, I undermined its potential!
It has bean worrying me much,
Of what begot my dear bike.
Today I ran miles back to find out,
At this point tears fill my eyes,
And not that my bike is not there,
But of the condition I found my bike!
Full of rust, it is won out,
It cannot function at the moment,
The chain is dry out of oil,
The tires are full of punctures and wholes,
I can only carry my bike on the shoulders!
What pains me, is the neighbor, my neighbor
Who warned me not to dare come back,
I wish he new the pain in me of my bike!
A bike that was well functioning,
But it will need a serious service to serve!
My bike will need a scrub and a new paint,
White I propose, to look new!
A Lubricating oil from the city of tolerance
New tires that can endure this journey of democracy,
And stronger brakes to control the impatience
If possible another pair of peddles of dialogue
A good sit of love and trust will work,
This way I will have my bike back may be better,
To take me to school, and to my friends,
One by one I will carry them,
To a new field cleared of impunity!
The field of truth, justice, and reconciliation,
And more so of a mature democracy,
I will start with my very own neighbor,
For with my bike we shall peddle once again!
The poet is a children rights activist and a thespian specializing with participatory approaches for community change working with an initiative ‘Child PEACE Africa’ currently in Korogocho slums in Nairobi Kenya. (plitonde@yahoo.com)
POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA
Why the youth?
By
OBONYO raphael
Post lection violence and the youth
Kenya is slowly making attempts to recover from what has been described as the worst political crisis in her history. There can be no doubt that the post election violence that was triggered by the announcement of the disputed presidential results on the 30th December 2007 will forever remain to haunt many Kenyans. The mayhem left over 600,000 Kenyans internally displaced, over 1,000 innocent men, women and children dead, scores of others seriously injured while, property worth billions vandalized. It was a moment when the rule of law and human rights were considered alien to the Kenyans as many chose to trample rights and freedoms with impunity. The deaths, pain and destruction that characterized the post election violence left permanent scar in our history.
Many people are still trying to come to terms with what happened. Many more people still wonder why Kenyans fought one another and engaged in widespread killings, displacement and destruction of property. Doubtlessly, the youth played an unbelievable role in perpetuating the post election violence. While their large numbers and negative participation is not in doubt, the big question that still remains unanswered is the reason for their involvement.
One can only be hopeful that the proposed Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission and IREC will help unearth the real causes for the violence. Though it is agreed that the disputed presidential election results was just a trigger the nature and causes of the violence differed from one location to another. In some parts of the country the violence resulted from disorganised and spontaneous protests and police excesses while in other areas the violence resulted from organised militia activity and communal revenge. I am cautious not to pose like I know the real reasons that led to the violence nevertheless I wish to discuss two issues that could have led to the massive involvement youth in the post election violence.
a) Negative Ethnicity
The heightened levels of ethnic hatred occasioned by stereotypes, discrimination and disparities in allocation of opportunities based on ethnicity could have been a factor that led to the involvement of youth in the post election violence. What began as post election protest against fraudulent election results turned into a deadly ethnic conflict. Many communities rallied their youth to form militias and gangs to launch attacks or provide defense. Noteworthy is that many people sought refuge in their tribes. Like it has always been the case in Kenya, tribe was seen as a unit for mobilization and organization and youths as the main guards. Youths are always expected and encouraged to protect their tribes at all costs.
While ethnic identities are not bad, the problem is that many Kenyans have been made to think or at least believe that some tribes are better or more superior while others are inferior. Tribalism has pervaded all facets and corners of the country. While many blame the colonialists for using ethnicity to divide Africans, the post independent African governments and leaders have always perpetuated negative ethnicity for their own selfish interest. This is what youth inherit and are treated to.
b) Class war
The looting and vandalism of property that characterized the post election violence in Kenya can serve to explain the argument that the mayhem was a class war. Kenya is listed in the league of top ten countries that are so unequal. The gap between the rich and the poor are immeasurable. Surprisingly youth form the largest statistics of those who are unemployed, impoverished and illiterate. As a result they are forced to engage in precarious and sometimes fatal activities that range from crime to drug abuse. They become easy prey for politicians who give them handouts to engage in heinous activities. This was evident before elections, during elections and has been cited as a catalyst for the post election violence.
While youths form about 60% of the total population in Kenya the representation and inclusion in decision making is not comparable to their numbers. They are still excluded from processes that could help them address their problems or contribute positively to the society. Many youths in Kenya inherit poverty and are further impoverished by the governance systems and operations.
Way out
Is the involvement in the post election violence an indication that youth leadership and participation is a pipe dream? I don’t think so. The post election violence has put youth on the spot. The youth must not shy away from taking responsibility for their regretful actions. On eth other hand Kenyans must realize that the mayhem also exposed the tribulations of the youth that need to be given adequate attention. In this view, there is need for greater engagement of Youth in the search for the solution and reforms that have been proposed. The proposed remedial processes offer youth an opportunity to claim a better future and discard the rotten past.
Youth must demand for greater representation in the Truth Justice and reconciliation commission. Youth must participate actively in the constitutional review and ensure that the reviewed document will help rebuild a more just and equitable country. Finally youth must unite and refuse to be used to perpetuate violence. END
POST ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA
Why the youth?
By
OBONYO raphael
Post lection violence and the youth
Kenya is slowly making attempts to recover from what has been described as the worst political crisis in her history. There can be no doubt that the post election violence that was triggered by the announcement of the disputed presidential results on the 30th December 2007 will forever remain to haunt many Kenyans. The mayhem left over 600,000 Kenyans internally displaced, over 1,000 innocent men, women and children dead, scores of others seriously injured while, property worth billions vandalized. It was a moment when the rule of law and human rights were considered alien to the Kenyans as many chose to trample rights and freedoms with impunity. The deaths, pain and destruction that characterized the post election violence left permanent scar in our history.
Many people are still trying to come to terms with what happened. Many more people still wonder why Kenyans fought one another and engaged in widespread killings, displacement and destruction of property. Doubtlessly, the youth played an unbelievable role in perpetuating the post election violence. While their large numbers and negative participation is not in doubt, the big question that still remains unanswered is the reason for their involvement.
One can only be hopeful that the proposed Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission and IREC will help unearth the real causes for the violence. Though it is agreed that the disputed presidential election results was just a trigger the nature and causes of the violence differed from one location to another. In some parts of the country the violence resulted from disorganised and spontaneous protests and police excesses while in other areas the violence resulted from organised militia activity and communal revenge. I am cautious not to pose like I know the real reasons that led to the violence nevertheless I wish to discuss two issues that could have led to the massive involvement youth in the post election violence.
a) Negative Ethnicity
The heightened levels of ethnic hatred occasioned by stereotypes, discrimination and disparities in allocation of opportunities based on ethnicity could have been a factor that led to the involvement of youth in the post election violence. What began as post election protest against fraudulent election results turned into a deadly ethnic conflict. Many communities rallied their youth to form militias and gangs to launch attacks or provide defense. Noteworthy is that many people sought refuge in their tribes. Like it has always been the case in Kenya, tribe was seen as a unit for mobilization and organization and youths as the main guards. Youths are always expected and encouraged to protect their tribes at all costs.
While ethnic identities are not bad, the problem is that many Kenyans have been made to think or at least believe that some tribes are better or more superior while others are inferior. Tribalism has pervaded all facets and corners of the country. While many blame the colonialists for using ethnicity to divide Africans, the post independent African governments and leaders have always perpetuated negative ethnicity for their own selfish interest. This is what youth inherit and are treated to.
b) Class war
The looting and vandalism of property that characterized the post election violence in Kenya can serve to explain the argument that the mayhem was a class war. Kenya is listed in the league of top ten countries that are so unequal. The gap between the rich and the poor are immeasurable. Surprisingly youth form the largest statistics of those who are unemployed, impoverished and illiterate. As a result they are forced to engage in precarious and sometimes fatal activities that range from crime to drug abuse. They become easy prey for politicians who give them handouts to engage in heinous activities. This was evident before elections, during elections and has been cited as a catalyst for the post election violence.
While youths form about 60% of the total population in Kenya the representation and inclusion in decision making is not comparable to their numbers. They are still excluded from processes that could help them address their problems or contribute positively to the society. Many youths in Kenya inherit poverty and are further impoverished by the governance systems and operations.
Way out
Is the involvement in the post election violence an indication that youth leadership and participation is a pipe dream? I don’t think so. The post election violence has put youth on the spot. The youth must not shy away from taking responsibility for their regretful actions. On eth other hand Kenyans must realize that the mayhem also exposed the tribulations of the youth that need to be given adequate attention. In this view, there is need for greater engagement of Youth in the search for the solution and reforms that have been proposed. The proposed remedial processes offer youth an opportunity to claim a better future and discard the rotten past.
Youth must demand for greater representation in the Truth Justice and reconciliation commission. Youth must participate actively in the constitutional review and ensure that the reviewed document will help rebuild a more just and equitable country. Finally youth must unite and refuse to be used to perpetuate violence. END
[...] group called Concerned Kenyan Writers, led by celebrated Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina, sought to organize Kenyans to write op-eds in [...]