Shame I think is something that is universal. I mean when you do something that deviates from the norm and is not heroic you are expected to feel bad about it. Retreat in a cocoon and think seriously about what you have done. But there is one class of people that the word does not have any meaning - Politicians.
By virtue of their interests and maybe survival a politician can say something today and change in the next few months. The reasons given are usually not convincing. Take for example one Daniel arap Moi. He prefers to be called retired President rather than former president.
When Kibaki was elected President he did not mince words about his predecessor “Corruption will cease to be a way of life in Kenya,” he told a packed crowd at the Uhuru park where he was sworn in.
In effect what Kibaki was saying was that Moi’s who was present had a questionable integrity. He had allowed corruption to be a way of life.
Moi did not hide his contempt for Kibaki. He trashed his free education principles and anything else he thought was going wrong. He called Kiabki’s government a government that is led by tribally motivated individuals who had no interest for Kenyans.
He worked hard with the ODM to ensure that the draft constitution was defeated in the referendum. He went round with the ODM luminaries and at the end of it all the thing was overwhelmingly trashed by Kenyans.
But things have since changed for him. There are reports that he regularly visits State House and probably relives with nostalgia the memories of 24 years as tenant of the house on the hill. If the late whispers columnist Wahome Mutahi was still alive he would write another “Mugathe Mubogothi” (The dreaming excellency).
That aside, the man now has a job, as peace envoy to the Southern Sudan peace process. He is an advisor to the man who wittingly and arrogantly says that a university cannot be set up for a man and his wife. It must be for all.
Moi has changed tune. He is a supporter of Kibaki par excellence. He is not a tribalist. Initially he was, Moi used to tell us. He has the interest of Kenyans at heart. Formerly as opposition chief he was only interested in seeing KANU out of power. Now he is the best to develop this country. And on and on on.
Moi says that he wants to see Kibaki rule in 2007-2012. But I can hear more than this. I can hear him say. “Mzee you have been good. You have never let me suffer a day of want. I can sleep comfortably and wake up tomorrow knowing that my life is secure, nobody will harass me nor my sons for evils committed during my tenure at State house.”
I can hear him say “ there is grace in KIbaki. A man who is not interested in ‘yaliyopita’ and is more of a 'fuata nyayo' convert.”
But above all I can hear Kibaki say this is my life. It is about my people. I don’t want to be harassed when I retire. I should live comfortably like an elder statesman.
For Moi the cost is lesser, shamelessly swallow the vitrilous and nasty words about Kibaki and keep afloat than take on a man who has given you a lifeline.
Talk about shame, it only exists in Japan.
By virtue of their interests and maybe survival a politician can say something today and change in the next few months. The reasons given are usually not convincing. Take for example one Daniel arap Moi. He prefers to be called retired President rather than former president.
When Kibaki was elected President he did not mince words about his predecessor “Corruption will cease to be a way of life in Kenya,” he told a packed crowd at the Uhuru park where he was sworn in.
In effect what Kibaki was saying was that Moi’s who was present had a questionable integrity. He had allowed corruption to be a way of life.
Moi did not hide his contempt for Kibaki. He trashed his free education principles and anything else he thought was going wrong. He called Kiabki’s government a government that is led by tribally motivated individuals who had no interest for Kenyans.
He worked hard with the ODM to ensure that the draft constitution was defeated in the referendum. He went round with the ODM luminaries and at the end of it all the thing was overwhelmingly trashed by Kenyans.
But things have since changed for him. There are reports that he regularly visits State House and probably relives with nostalgia the memories of 24 years as tenant of the house on the hill. If the late whispers columnist Wahome Mutahi was still alive he would write another “Mugathe Mubogothi” (The dreaming excellency).
That aside, the man now has a job, as peace envoy to the Southern Sudan peace process. He is an advisor to the man who wittingly and arrogantly says that a university cannot be set up for a man and his wife. It must be for all.
Moi has changed tune. He is a supporter of Kibaki par excellence. He is not a tribalist. Initially he was, Moi used to tell us. He has the interest of Kenyans at heart. Formerly as opposition chief he was only interested in seeing KANU out of power. Now he is the best to develop this country. And on and on on.
Moi says that he wants to see Kibaki rule in 2007-2012. But I can hear more than this. I can hear him say. “Mzee you have been good. You have never let me suffer a day of want. I can sleep comfortably and wake up tomorrow knowing that my life is secure, nobody will harass me nor my sons for evils committed during my tenure at State house.”
I can hear him say “ there is grace in KIbaki. A man who is not interested in ‘yaliyopita’ and is more of a 'fuata nyayo' convert.”
But above all I can hear Kibaki say this is my life. It is about my people. I don’t want to be harassed when I retire. I should live comfortably like an elder statesman.
For Moi the cost is lesser, shamelessly swallow the vitrilous and nasty words about Kibaki and keep afloat than take on a man who has given you a lifeline.
Talk about shame, it only exists in Japan.
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