- The Finance Bill of 2024, with its contentious provisions and its disregard for the plight of ordinary Kenyans, epitomizes this perversion of legislative intent.
- The demonstrations sweeping across Kenya are not merely a protest against a bill; they are a resounding declaration that the people demand to be heard.
- The essence of democracy lies not only in periodic elections but in the ongoing dialogue between government and citizens, where responsiveness to public sentiment is paramount.
Chinua Achebe once aptly noted, “The world is like a Mask dancing. If you want to see it well, you do not stand in one place.”
Yet, here we are in Kenya, where the dance of democracy seems more like a charade orchestrated by puppeteers in the National Assembly.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o echoes this sentiment, reminding us: “The authority of those in power is a stolen authority.” In light of recent demonstrations across Kenya, sparked by the Finance Bill of 2024, it appears that these words resonate more profoundly than ever.
Dear esteemed members of the National Assembly and Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and a pen laden with the ink of disillusionment that we address you today.
Sovereignty in our nation belongs to the people, or so the Constitution would have us believe. Yet, it seems that in the halls of power, this foundational principle is treated as a mere suggestion rather than a solemn duty. Your lofty titles and privileged positions do not exempt you from the responsibility of serving the people.
Are you not, as representatives, duty-bound to heed the voice of the people? Or have you mistaken your roles for rulership?
The recent protests have illuminated a stark reality: that you, our elected officials, seem to have developed a penchant for ignoring the cries of those who entrusted you with their hopes and dreams.
We understand that the allure of power can be intoxicating, but let us not forget that it is fleeting, and history has a habit of exposing those who prioritise self-interest over public good.
Legislation, when wielded with wisdom and compassion, can uplift a nation. However, when it becomes a tool of oppression, it transforms into a weapon against the very people it purports to serve.
The Finance Bill of 2024, with its contentious provisions and its disregard for the plight of ordinary Kenyans, epitomises this perversion of legislative intent.
How can a bill crafted in opulent chambers truly reflect the needs of those who struggle daily to make ends meet?
Let us examine into the sacred text that is meant to guide our governance — the Constitution of Kenya. It speaks of equality, justice, and the sovereignty of the people. It enshrines the right to protest peacefully, a right exercised passionately by Kenyans in recent days.
Yet, in your ivory towers, do you hear the clamour of the masses or do you merely see it as an inconvenience to your agendas?
Democracy, when reduced to a facade, becomes a mockery of itself. We witness with dismay the spectacle of parliamentary maneuvers and presidential decrees that seem to serve only to entrench power rather than empower the populace.
Is this the legacy you wish to leave behind—a legacy of deaf ears turned to the legitimate grievances of the people?
The power of the people is not to be underestimated. It is a force that can reshape nations and topple regimes.
The demonstrations sweeping across Kenya are not merely a protest against a bill; they are a resounding declaration that the people demand to be heard.
You may ignore them today, but remember, the echoes of history are unforgiving to those who trample on the aspirations of their fellow citizens.
Leadership is not about wielding authority; it is about setting an example. It is about humility, empathy, and a commitment to serve with integrity.
As our elected leaders, you have a duty to exemplify these qualities. The recent unrest should serve as a wake-up call—a reminder that leadership is a privilege bestowed by the people, not a entitlement to be exploited for personal gain.
We implore you, members of the National Assembly and Mr. President, to heed the call of conscience.
Remember why you sought public office in the first place—to make a difference in the lives of Kenyans, not to erect barriers that perpetuate inequality and discontent.
Your actions today will shape the future of our nation tomorrow. Choose wisely, for history will judge whether you stood with the people or against them.
In conclusion, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s poignant assertion that “The authority of those in power is a stolen authority” serves as a powerful reminder of the origins of political legitimacy. Indeed, the foundation of governmental authority lies not in coercion or imposition but in the mandate entrusted by the electorate through democratic processes.
The essence of democracy rests in honouring this mandate, where elected officials are stewards of public trust rather than arbiters of unilateral power.
The recent outcry surrounding the Finance Bill of 2024 underscores a fundamental principle: the people’s voice must be heeded, their concerns acknowledged, and their interests prioritised in legislative decision-making.
The legitimacy of governance emanates from the consent of the governed, symbolised by the ballot box.
This sacred act of voting signifies more than a mere transaction; it embodies the collective will of a nation, binding elected representatives to the imperative of serving their constituents faithfully.
Disregarding public outcry in matters as significant as financial policy not only jeopardises the social contract between government and governed but also risks eroding the democratic foundation upon which our society stands.
To honour the democratic ethos is to recognise that sovereignty resides fundamentally with the people, demanding their voices be respected and their interests safeguarded above all else.
The call to reconsider the Finance Bill of 2024 resonates deeply with the principles of democratic governance.
It is a demand not for capitulation to unrest but for a reaffirmation of government’s role as a servant of the people. Respect for public opinion is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of democracy itself, demonstrating a government’s willingness to listen, engage, and respond with integrity.
In this light, to bow to the will of the people is not a submission to external pressure but a reaffirmation of the moral and political imperative to uphold the trust vested in elected representatives.
In essence, any attempt to disregard or diminish the significance of public outcry risks undermining the very democracy we hold dear.
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The essence of democracy lies not only in periodic elections but in the ongoing dialogue between government and citizens, where responsiveness to public sentiment is paramount.
By recognising and acting upon the voices of the people, elected officials reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and ensure that governance remains grounded in legitimacy and accountability.
Thus, the true measure of leadership lies not in wielding power unchecked but in upholding the sacred covenant between government and governed, honouring the authority that derives ultimately from the will of the people.
The writer is a lawyer and legal researcher