Opinion:Kenya’s tribal-based politics danger’s economy

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Raila Odinga addressing his supporters

The re-introduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya 1992 brought political tribulation that led to a system under which leaders channel government resources to their ethnic supporters to ensure their political survival. In turn, their supporters begin to feel entitled to government resources.

The politics of ethnicity, therefore, becomes an inter-community competition, not merely for representation in governance but for resources.

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When communities face off against each other, cases of rampant corruption, marginalization becomes a major stumbling block to democracy as well as social –economic development resulting in full-blown violence that hinders economic growth.

Recently Gatundu South Member of parliament Moses Kuria was criticized when he lamented that President Uhuru Kenyatta is neglecting Mount Kenya region in terms of development by favoring Nyanza and Western region.

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Praised and cursed at the equal measure, Kuria made his stand known but he would later apologize to the head of state over “Tuwache Upuzi slag” which seemed directed to president Uhuru.

While some Mount Kenya leaders are accusing president Uhuru Kenyatta of neglecting development in the region, constituents’ point finger to their lawmakers for failing to push for their share.

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It was full brown competition in Kenya as Nyanza and Western leaders’ claimed that it’s their turn to “eat” courtesy of the handshake between Uhuru and Raila.

Political analyst cum politician James Nyangama has stated that ethnic diversity is a great pillar that enhances social economic growth but tribal group brings about polarization that destroys the economy.

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He states that the effects of ethnic violence are huge and at times they slow down the economic growth and turn the Country into a banana republic.

“Kenya isn’t exempted from this analogy of tribal politics of “mtu wetu”,(our people) and this s affecting economy greatly, it’s deteriorating from worse to worst, “he said .

In every electioneering period; communities always form clusters of political parties that represent regional ethnic blocs with thirsty for power, Land, animals and unequal distribution of natural resources taking the center stage.

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For instance, the 2007-2008 post-election violence brought destabilization of the economy with financial institutions like banks, multinational agencies, and NGO being affected with some shifting their base to neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda.

For a Country to grow, it requires an environment of stability and peace as tribal politics breaks structures that enhance economic growth such as roads, rails, and airlines.

Countries such as Rwanda, Sudan, Syria, Nigeria, and Congo had the history of underdevelopment precipitated by ethnic wars. A case study of Rwanda’s genocide in 1994 that pitted Hutu and Tutsi communities brought down the economy; about 1 million people were killed thus affecting labor.

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To end tribal politics, the government needs to set strong policies that prohibit leaders from inciting the locals against each other and promote inter-government agencies working together such as the judiciary, Executive and the parliament.

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