Time being short, I intend to leave all the pleasantries by retaining much criticism. The best government, argued Henry Thoreau, is one which does not govern at all. Needless to say that such an administration, upon upholding the integrity of its promise on posterity, commands great respect.
In a democratic state, for instance, consent is given to political organizations seeking to form a government by elections, through a civic process where the unanimous vote, validates as the unanimous voice. The polls by virtue, are conducted privately and overseen by the state, perchance to determine whomsoever puts to context dreams, as pitched to electorates by political parties.
The greatest emphasis traditionally, during campaigns, is the relentless appeal on voter’s morality and sanity; to ensure they vote. Consequently, on election days, social joints are closed so that habitual drinkers can make sober and substantive choices, notwithstanding politics, being mainly influenced by numbers, or voter turnout.
Nonetheless, not everyone votes, – and whilst some express this by spoiling votes, others prefer to rather be classified among those that don’t turn up to vote. Not long ago, my findings were narrowed to a realization that some actually live, who simply don’t vote out of choice. Ay, I am alive to the fact that government policies influence daily lives yet ignorant of the same. Such, if I may, best denotes the object guised as an abject spoilt voter; as him who does not discharge his civic duty.
Verily, any citizen ripe of age, who set not a foot inside a polling station, is as good a Christian not accustomed to the place of worship. For neither play neither part in building the kingdom of God nor men.
A recent encounter with a spoilt voter revealed, that some of us don’t vote, because, could be apparently, the country is at rigor mortis. And that voting makes no sense since ultimately, the actual vote never counts. Others don’t vote, because democracy is selectively applied as often, the brutal force used, yet justifies the fact that government, appeals not to the intellect or spirit of subjects but bodies. Some don’t vote, because of political parties that conduct sham nominations, subverting the will of the people from the primaries. Seldom, it is barely hidden from eyes, the state-driven executions of the public through anonymous orders when no moral patriot, fails to patiently readjust to injustice.
The late Kibra MP Hon. Ken Okoth, whose immense contribution and inspiration in his capacity as a leader the system ought to immortalize, or least aspire to, was a sample of an exceptional epitome worthy of citizens patriotism in rain or shine. The point, as pointed out by the defiant voter, is that some of us don’t vote; because only a few remain truly selfless about representation. So going by such, we’d instead represent ourselves, we who possess the free will of designing our realities. While commenting on the prevailing unemployment standards, Pigbin Odimwengu, a youthful thinker, observed that bitterness occupied the social space because at the core of joblessness, are youth who have been cheat to learn.
But, here is to why some of us, still won’t vote; or better yet dedicate our time to a process that is holistically founded on hero worship. In the current scenario, having inherited a government, the Jubilee administration has failed to realize its vision. Not only failing to implement it but also keeping the same house in order. And while a decade has fast elapsed, with no significant track record to showcase, to the centre stage has taken desperation. It seems, to me, that whereas the president is chiefly concerned building a legacy, the deputy is concerned with assuming the presidency. Effectually, the drift birthing chaos witnessed in various forms. The desperation at an advanced stage has created tension, has divided the party between itself and separated a team from its vision, forcing the citizens to choose between the president and the deputy albeit constant poverty levels.
In a truthful environment, where dwells peace, justice and equality. We, who don’t vote, ascribe to the belief and mantra that man, primarily, is first a man then thereafter, a subject bound by laws. And that the existence of the law itself does not make men just. Thus, our strict resolution to judging individuals based on their actions over intentions. We believe that a nation reserves the right to refuse to be misled.
Even so, tales of creation are incomplete, lest is hinted about the tree of life; one which some are more concerned finding a path leading to. So instead of putting our hopes and dedication in pursuit of political reforms, we embark on the quest of creating heaven on earth. Building an ark that suits individuals keen on the preservation of self and environment. Could be, many different paths are leading to the tree of life since, whereas some feel the warm light of the surrounding garden, others hear the poetry of angels whence few actually count their footsteps.
Oguna Mamba is a poet and a PR guru. Email: brocomente@gmail.com.
