By Steve Mark Misori
Nairobi, Kenya.
POLITICIANS continue to subject electorates to ping pong games of what is today referred to as blame game and betrayal. Both government and opposition leaders have no justification whatsoever to continue blaming each other in a showcase contest of political might.
Today, almost sixty-five years after independence, both Zambia and Kenya among other countries continue to wait for real freedom. Real freedom means escape from hunger, ignorance, disease and financial limitations. For how long will political leaders engage in selfish fights? There is no denying that every political party exists to realize power and fame, but that does not mean ordinary citizens must languish in poverty and hunger.
Even though the constitution of both countries provides for the position of the opposition party, this establishment has uniquely failed to canvas issues of the masses and instead advanced their own political and selfish curriculum. Their only political objective has always been venturing into ways of either frustrating the government of the day or issuing unnecessary threats to fool their followers that they are still in touch and intact.
The African states in general and Kenya in specific is in the current economic hole because the opposition has always failed to interrogate the actions of the government of the day in good faith. Their political trends are students of malice, misinformation and misgivings.
Every successful government has always been exposed to objective opposition that has always identified with the people and not leaders. I submit that the African leadership has consistently and reluctantly failed to listen to the very citizens who elected them. The main role of the opposition – in any democracy is to check the government of the day. This is a role that is crucial to the implementation of any manifesto at any given time. Once the opposition party decides to be in bed with the government, the citizens start doubting the interest of the opposition in the whole exercise of service delivery.
There is no denying that opposition leadership in most cases has always been worse than the government. Truth be said, these leaders have always castigated the government with the intention of receiving kickbacks in form of government tenders and projects. The unity call by the opposition leaders from Zambia will be dead on arrival unless real structures are put in place and the people come first as the opposition leaders and their interest come second.
Leadership and power are like the game of football when the spectators play better than the players. Unless the opposition leaders agree on one of them to face the ruling party, they will be doing a disservice to the people who elected them to the opposition role. It is upon the members of parliament to understand the priorities of government during debates; however, the opposition leadership bears the greatest responsibility in enhancing a more people driven legislation.
The blame game therefore is inconsequential and only excels in confirming to the citizens that the opposition is not only insensitive but also politically valueless. It is time Africans built institutions that work. Does it make sense when the opposition leaders call for mass action in a matter that they can secure a court injunction? Will it add any value to the citizens when the opposition leaders walk out of parliament during proceedings only for unpopular bills to be passed on the very floor of the house?
Opposition leaders must canvas issues of citizens’ interest openly without intending to benefit whatsoever. It is important for the opposition parties to treat their current positions with respect and obedience so that their service could be packed in humility.
