The story of Pan-Africanism on the African continent can not be complete without the mention of Kwame Nkrumah the first black President of the Republic of Ghana and one of the Founding Fathers of the Organization of African Unity now the African Union.
In Zambia, a University bears the name of this great son of the African soil, that is the Kwame Nkrumah University in Kabwe while in his homeland Ghana a University so bears his name which is the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Ground upon which the University stands was another iconic Institute that stood there. This the Pan AfricanInstitute for Development East and Southern Africa popularly known as PAIDESA. The Institute was earmarked to offer Governance programmes and teach the Ideology of Pan Africanism. It is really sad that this Institute is no longer in existence today. One of the greatest undoing of the Pan-Africanism Ideology is the lack of a well thought out Think Tank to propel the Ideology beyond the current generation and continue to be relevant for the generations to come.
PAIDESA was the perfect Think Tank that the Ideology needed to continue to be useful to the continent for many generations to come. Pan-Africanism need to create a Think Tank that will help to grow the Ideology for many years to come.
Ugandan prolific writer Okot p’Bitek in the preliminary pages of the Song of Lawino echoes the foundation for Curriculum Change. He records
In the educational section, break down the walls that surround our schools and universities, and let the people who know our culture teach our people. Let us Africanise our Curriculum in a meaningful manner. Let African Culture be the core of our Curriculum and foreign culture be at its peripher
In “MY Husband’s House is a Dark Forest” the author uses the main character Lawino to critic Western education. She lamppons the formal western education system for being responsible for Ocol’s alienation. Lawino’s ideas about education and its effects on the African recipient are contained in. “INDIGENOUS SOCIAL ILLS” (IN AFRICA’S CULTURAL REVOLUTION 1973: 6-14) Okot in this essay complains that Western formal education produces graduates who cannot realte to their counteymen: Overdressed in his dark suit he walks out of the University gate, out into the world, materially comfortable, but culturally castrated, dead. A lost victim of the school system, he cannot dance the dance or play the music of the people.
In the final Chapter “LET THEM PREPARE THE MALAWANG DISH” Lawino in her submission turns to her husband Ocol and urges him to accept to be purged of the Western influences and return to his people. Like one on the brink of death she suggests the he can be nurtured back to cultural health after which he should make peace with his ancestors by visiting the ancestral shrine thereby re-accepting the religious rites and rituals of his people. Finally after he is fully re-accepted in the community their marriage can once again work.
The Education system has the society where it wants the people to be. The hottest topic receiving media attention is only made possible because as a society we are culturally castrated and need to be nurtured back to culturally health. Homosexuality will have no place in a culturally health society. But it shall continue to be given media attention for as long as we remain culturally castrated and dead.
By Yohane Mbeeya Moono The Author is An Alumni of the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies
Zambia got her independence in October of 1964 and was heavily reliant on the South African seaports for exports and imports. Things were to change barely a year after independence when Ian Smith the leader in Southern Ŕhodesia (present day Zimbabwe) declared the Unilateral Declaration of Independence which also saw the closure of ports of entry and exit with Zambia. 1965 proved a turning point for the new Zambian government foreign policy.
At the United Nations, Zambia were the motion movers for the reinstating of China to the United Nations family and the country became a member of Non-Aligned Movement in the aforementioned year. This was in a bid for the country to have Bilateral Ties with a number of countries for the economic benefit of a fledgling nation.
President Kenneth Kaunda together with his Tanzanian counterpart drifted to China as part of their foreign policies to develop their countries. This culminated in the construction of the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA), Tanzania Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA), MILTEZ training centre, The Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles among other important economic buildings. Since then the Zambia China Relations have kept blossoming. Apart from, a number of Zambians were sent to China for specialized trainings in various sectors. President Kenneth Kaunda’s admiration for the leadership skills of Chairman Mao adopted a Communism Ideology similar to what China has. Kenneth Kaunda as part of the home policy implemented the Humanism Philosophy which centered on Human beings being the major resource the natio had and National resources were meant for all citizens. This was highly influenced by the Chinese Communism implemented by Chairman Mao who began the journey of China’s economic transformation.
During the Chiluba Administration the country saw a reduction in the number of Zambia China Bilateral engagements. However, when the New Deal Administration of Levy Patrick Mwanawasa came to power in the early 2000s, the Zambia China Bilateral Ties were seriously reignited. Thus saw the penetration of Chinese firms into the Mining Sector which is the biggest Gross Domestic Product value contributor to the Zambian economy. Among other noted projects that these Bilateral Ties brought was the Muliashi Mine in Luanshya and the Non-Ferrous Africa Metals in Chambishi. The two countries further agreed on the establishment of the Economic Zones with Chambishi Zambia-China Multi-facility Economic Zone and the Lusaka-East Multi-facility Economic Zone coming up. Then Chinese President Hu Jin Tao visited Zambia in 2005, a hallmark of the strengthening of the Zambia-China Ties. The Bilateral led to the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola and the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka. The two are state of the Art Stadia.
President Rupiah Bwezani Banda through the Bilateral Ties with China was able to procure Mobile Hospitals which were aimed at taking Healthcare to the doorsteps of the people of Zambia. In 2011, the Zambian people unanimously rose to change government from the Movement for Multi-party Democracy to the Patriotic Front led government of Michael Chilufya Sata. While in opposition, Michael Chilufya Sata was a fierce critic of Chinese investment in Zambia but upon assuming the Presidency, he was quick to brand China as an “All Weather Friend” a signal of the blossoming Bilateral Ties between the two countries. Even after his death, China become even more important as an economic partner during the reign of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The Chinese gave was ever present in the infrastructural development agenda championed under President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. To this day, China remains the largest single sovereign creditor Zambia.
Where Does Economic Diplomacy fit in?
Economic diplomacy means building international coalitions to help countries recover from financial crises. It entails convincing host-government leaders to apply the policies and measures most likely to strengthen their economies and provide jobs for their people, even if the reforms have political costs.
The New Dawn Administration has centered its foreign policy on economic diplomacy in the wake of the burgeoning foreign debt. With China being the largest sole sovereign creditor Zambia has and the willingness by the Chinese government to co-chair the Paris Club meetings of the G20 Common Framework for Debt Servicing means that the long held Zambia China Relations comes in handy together with the Economic Diplomacy implored by the New Dawn Administration.
Secondly this move alone allays fears that the New Dawn Administration has abandoned the long standing Zambia-China Relations in order to secure the IMF bailout package for Debt Restructuring purposes. The two countries have continued to interface at various levels of Bilateral engagements which is a positive sign for the economic development of Zambia a country almost in debt distress.
Therefore, it is prudent to say that the Economic Diplomacy implored by the New Dawn Administration and just like other governments before, is surely pay dividends and assures the public that the long g standing Zambia-China Relations shall continue to blossom to unprecedented levels. Economic Diplomacy is surely one size fits all for the Zambia agenda of economic transformation.
Economic Diplomacy together improved fiscal discipline should catapult Zambia to Economic Transformation.
3/30/1983 President Reagan Kenneth David Kaunda during a working visit of the President of Zambia Kenneth David KaundaBERLIN – DECEMBER 05: Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa during a press conference after bilateral talks on December 5, 2007 in Berlin, Germany to the press. Mwanawasa is on a three-day official visit to Germany. Former Zambian leader Frederick Chiluba recently called on Mwanawasa to account for 2.7 billion dollars allegedly missing from the Zambian state treasury. (Photo by Marcel Mettelsiefen/Getty Images)
The governments of Uganda and Tanzania are pushing back against a resolution, passed by the European Union, that calls for environmental and human rights protections as the two nations develop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The European Parliament resolution warns that the project threatens wetlands and water resources, along with the livelihoods of “farmers, fisherfolk and tourism business owners” who depend upon natural resources in the region.
The EACOP, with investment from oil major Total and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, is expected to impact 118,000 people as it stretches from Lake Albert to the Tanzanian port city of Tanga.
“The risks and impacts caused by the oil fields and pipeline infrastructure development are already reported to be immense, and have been exhaustively documented in numerous community-based impact assessments and independent expert studies,” said the resolution, which passed on Thursday.
But Uganda’s Thomas Tayebwa, deputy speaker for parliament, called out the EU for its excessive reliance on fossil fuels when compared with his own nation, and called the EU position “economic sabotage” against the right of a sovereign nation to benefit from its own oil and gas sector.
President Yoweri Museveni followed with reassurances that the project will move forward as planned.
“We should remember that Total Energies convinced me about the Pipeline idea; if they choose to listen to the EU Parliament, we shall find someone else to work with,” Museveni warned. “Either way, we shall have our oil coming out by 2025 as planned.”
In a statement to local media outlet The Citizen, Tanzanian energy minister January Makamba echoed the Ugandan commitment to move forward with the EACOP plan.
The East African Crude Oil Pipeline, also known as the Uganda–Tanzania Crude Oil Pipeline, is under construction and intended to transport crude oil from Uganda’s oil fields to the Port of Tanga, Tanzania on the Indian Ocean. Once completed, the pipeline will be the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world.
On 9th September, 2022, President Hakainde Hichilema during the opening of the Second Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly addressed the house under the theme
“WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION: STIMULATING ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS.”
The address gave intent of the policies that Government is set to undertake in the year 2023. Key points of note in the Presidential Speech
1. Government has put in place fundamentals that have seen the reduction in inflation from 25.8% in August 2021 to 9.8% in August, 2022
2. The country has improved the national foreign exchange reserves from 1.9 months of import cover to 3.7 months of import cover. In the same vein the country’s currency has performed better against major convertible currencies, making it one of the best performing currencies in the World.
3. The country launched the Eighth National Development Plan whose focus is to restore macroeconomic stability by raising Real GDP Growth. The Eighth National Development Plan is anchored on the theme “Social Economic Transformation for Improved Livelihoods.” Talking of Gross Domestic Product value Growth the country has targeted 4% growth in the Medium-term.
4. The government has prioritized Agriculture, Mining, Manufacturing and Tourism as the key drivers to achieving Economic Transformation. The government has further identified the key Enablers of Economic Transformation and these being Energy, Transport, Information and Communication Technology as well as Research and Development.
5. The government has increased the Constituency Development Fund from K1.6 million to K25.7 million per Constituency. This is likely to be a serious Socio-Economic game changer in many Constituencies but it’s impact has not yet been felt due to the rigidity surrounding the guidelines governing the new Constituency Development Fund allocation.
6. The government has prioritized Food and Nutrition security through diversified food production initiatives and ensuring the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal on ensuring Zero Hunger. Currently, the country has 1.2 million tonnes of surplus Maize. This should be stepping stone for great economic transformation as the country is food secure.
7. The government plans to complete the construction of 16 Mini Hospitals out of the targeted 115 as well as 83 out of the targeted 650 Health posts. Health care remains a critical cog to the Socio-Economic Transformation of the country as a Healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation. The government has also procured a year’s supply of essential medicines and medical supplies and has emphasized on the promotion of Local Manufacturing of Pharmaceutical Products and other Medical Supplies.
8. The government plans to expand classroom space through the construction of 120 secondary schools, in addition to the 115 secondary schools whose construction started in previous years and are at various stages of completion. This is in response to the free education policy introduced at the start of 2022. The government is trying to ensure that no school going child sits on the floor by the end of 2023 through the ambitious exercise under the Constituency Development Fund to locally source desks for schools countrywide. The government is implementing various Youth Skills Development programmes and in the year 2022 alone, over 12, 000 youths have been trained in various skills such as Metal Fabrication, Carpentry and Joinery, Mining, Bricklaying and General Agriculture. Education being a lifelong process is critical to the country attainment the Socio-Economic Transformation it desires.
Time has come for Zambia and Zambians to work together towards achieving Economic Emancipation and Transform Zambia into an Economic giant every citizen can be proud of. 2023 is the year Socio-Economic Transformation begins.
The continent of Africa contains more than 50 countries, but just five account for more than half of total wealth on the continent: South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya.
Despite recent setbacks in Africa’s largest economies, wealth creation has been strong in a number of areas, and total private wealth is now estimated to be US$2.1 trillion. There also an estimated 21 billionaires in Africa today.
Drawing from the latest Africa Wealth Report, here’s a look at where all that wealth is concentrated around the continent.
A Country-Level Look at Wealth in Africa South Africa is a still a major stronghold of wealth in Africa, with a robust luxury real estate market and ample wealth management services. The country is also ranked second on the continent in per capita wealth. That said, the country has faced challenges in recent years.
An estimated 4,500 high net worth individuals (wealth of US$1 million or more) have left South Africa over the past decade, migrating to places like the UK, Australia, and the United States. In one stark data point, the report points out that “there are 15 South African born billionaires in the world, but only 5 of them still live in South Africa.”
Here is how major African countries compare in terms of per capita wealth.
Rank Country Wealth per Capita (US$)
1 🇲🇺 Mauritius $34,000
2 🇿🇦 South Africa $10,970
3 🇳🇦 Namibia $9,320
4 🇧🇼 Botswana $7,880
5 🇲🇦 Morocco $3,380
6 🇪🇬 Egypt $3,000
7 🇬🇠Ghana $1,890
8 🇰🇪 Kenya $1,700
9 🇦🇴 Angola $1,620
10 🇨🇮 CĂ´te d’Ivoire $1,610
11 🇳🇬 Nigeria $1,100
12 🇹🇿 Tanzania $940
13 🇷🇼 Rwanda $850
14 🇺🇬 Uganda $820
15 🇿🇲 Zambia $760
16 🇲🇿 Mozambique $650
17 🇪🇹 Ethiopia $540
Mauritius is Africa’s wealthiest nation on a per capita basis. Here are a few reasons why the island nation comes out on top:
HNWI growth – Wealthy individuals have flocked to Mauritius in recent years
Ease of doing business – Mauritius ranked 13th worldwide in World Bank’s Doing Business Report Low taxes – There is no inheritance tax or capital gains tax in the country
Safety – Mauritius was recently rated by New World Wealth as the safest country in Africa Financial sector – A growing local financial services sector and stock market (SEMDEX)
As a result, Mauritius has seen the strongest growth in total private wealth over the past decade, followed by Rwanda and Ethiopia.
On the flip side of the equation, Nigeria—which is Africa’s largest economy—saw a steep drop in total wealth. The country has struggled in recent years with high unemployment, corruption, and an over-reliance on crude oil.
The Big Picture Over time, African countries are becoming less dependent on extractive industries, and business conditions are continuing to improve nearly across the board. These tailwinds, combined with the continent’s favorable demographics, point to a bright economic future for Africa.
The outlook for private wealth on the continent is largely positive as well. Total private wealth held in Africa is expected to reach US$3 trillion by 2031, an increase of close to 40%.
In the wake of the death of the Queen of Britain Queen Elizabeth II, social media particularly from Africa and the Commonwealth was awash with statements about how her reign looted precious resources from African countries.
Pan-Africanism, the idea that peoples of African descent have common interests and should be unified. Historically, Pan-Africanism has often taken the shape of a political or cultural movement. There are many varieties of Pan-Africanism.
With that said, Pan-Africanism should not be a lament of how the Imperialists disuniteid and looted from Africa but rather the author is of the opinion that Pan-Africanism should have been a Think Tank to develop the African Agenda.
If the earliest Pan-Africanists brought Independence then the post independence Pan-Africanists should have carried the mantle through the creation of Think Tanks and continue the promotion of the Pan-Africanism movement that every descendant of the continent.
Our continued lament of the atrocities of the ruthless period of Imperialism means we are not ready to move and change the face of the African Continent. Our duty now is to plan and work the plans of promoting the African Agenda through Pan-Africanism
New field research in Cabo Delgado sheds light on one of Africa’s least understood violent conflicts
Conflict erupted in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province just a few years after some of Africa’s biggest gas reserves were discovered in the Rovuma Basin off the coast. Mozambicans see this as no coincidence.
A new study by the Institute for Security Studies and the Judicial Training Institute of Mozambique conducted extensive field research in Cabo Delgado. It shows that citizens blame the discovery and bad governance of resources, notably natural gas and rubies, for the escalation of terrorism in the province. Over 4 000 people have been killed and 800 000 displaced due to the insurgency that broke out at the end of 2017.
In a survey of 309 people and 28 key informants, nearly half of the respondents said natural resources escalated the crisis. The announcements of US$60 billion investments in liquid natural gas came with promises of huge wealth and opportunity for the country. But locals feel marginalised by corrupt elites. Some have lost their land and livelihoods to the gas infrastructure built onshore. They are doubtful that these projects will reduce poverty and improve services.
Meanwhile, the discovery of some of the world’s largest ruby deposits in Cabo Delgado attracted fortune seekers and informal miners from across East Africa. They were chased away when multinationals took over the mine, leading to protests in 2019.
Asked to choose between a range of options, 45% of respondents said the main root cause of the insurgency was the discovery of rubies and natural gas. Another 4% mentioned the bad governance of natural resources. Far fewer people thought the availability of illicit arms (13%), economic marginalization (6%) and elite greed (5%) were the primary causes.
This confirms that recruitment drives by the militant group Ahlu-Sunnah wal Jama’a (ASWJ), supported by Islamic State in Mozambique, were facilitated by the so-called natural resource curse. It not only increased inequality but raised the stakes in the province. What was initially a small radical group grew to become a major menace that drove away big multinationals like Total Energies.
Before the insurgency, Cabo Delgado was already notorious for illicit activities such as trafficking in drugs, timber and people, as well as ruby smuggling. The study however showed no significant links between the terror group and organized crime. So far, there is no indication that ASWJ’s main aim is to get its hands on this lucrative illicit business.
The strongest evidence linking insurgents to drug smuggling dates back to the 2021 seizure of 250 kg of heroin in a building formerly occupied by ASJW militants. No one was arrested, and no other evidence links the insurgency to the heroin trade, which has long been rife along this coastline.
While the study’s respondents anecdotally referred to the insurgents as being involved in arms, drug and human trafficking, they didn’t believe this was the group’s source of income. Only 8% said the insurgents fund their activities from organized crime. A much larger proportion (38%) mentioned foreign sources, and 13% said the group used its own funds.
This confirms reports that the illicit economy, donations and raids on local sources such as banks are the major sources of financing. In the March 2021 Palma attack, US$1 million was robbed from banks and businesses.
The study confirms that the illicit economy, donations and raids are the insurgents’ major funding sources
Cabo Delgado residents believe regional disparities between privileged elites based in the capital Maputo in Mozambique’s far south, and the marginalized northerners, play a more significant role in driving the conflict than ethnic considerations.
Tensions between the mostly Muslim coastal communities of the Mwani and Makua groups, and the Christian Makonde are mentioned as a backdrop to the crisis. However, these communities have lived together peacefully for centuries. Ethnicity was seen by only 2% of respondents as the primary driver of the insurgency.
The role of an extremist ideology and the recruitment and radicalisation of ASWJ shouldn’t be overlooked. Just over 60% of people said religion plays some role in the violence, although many believed that Islam is being instrumentalised. The group’s messaging and modus operandi when recruiting youths were described by victims and eyewitnesses as resembling those of violent extremists elsewhere in the world.
Mozambicans, notably those in the country’s three northernmost provinces where over 60% of people claim to be Muslims, have historically belonged to Sufi orders. However, in the early 2000s, more radical anti-Sufi groups emerged. ASWJ’s emergence is seen as part of a global wave of Islamic revivalism. The teachings of Kenyan cleric Aboud Rogo Mohammed played a particularly significant role in radicalisation in Mozambique.
The Cabo Delgado study found that radicalisation occurs predominantly in mosques and to a lesser extent market places. This is contrary to the global trend where radicalisation increasingly happens online and through other illicit networks.
There is a need for dialogue and reconciliation between Muslims and Christians in Cabo Delgado, also among Muslims. Other government action needed includes partnering with local organizations to address legitimate grievances, setting up a commission of inquiry into the drivers of violent extremism, and developing a national strategy to deal with all aspects of the crisis.
Military interventions alone won’t end the insurgency. However, more effective strategies by Mozambican security forces and the country’s international partners play a key role. Tightening border security and improving intelligence sharing is also vital.
There should also be greater cooperation between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and the Rwandan forces on the ground. Forces should consider scenario six of the SADC counter-terrorism strategy, focusing on peacekeeping, as an exit strategy. And the African Union should regularly discuss the situation and help SAMIM.
The ASWJ threat in Mozambique has proven to be one of Africa’s least understood and most nebulous insurgencies. Little is known about the group’s identity, aims and ideology, and the militants have no clear communication strategy. This makes solving the crisis even harder. However, acknowledging and tackling the root causes of the crisis is essential for long-term peace in Cabo Delgado.
Author
Liesl Louw-Vaudran, Senior Researcher, ISS Pretoria
At the height of the creation, God had ensure that the earth’s surface was covered in vegetation. Part of that vegetation were trees. These trees came into being by God’ s sacred command which meant that they were a source of life for the tree itself and the surrounding it is found in.
In African tradition, the significance of trees cannot be overemphasized. Trees provide a good breathe of fresh air to mankind during the summer when temperatures tend to reach fever pitch. Apart from that, trees are a source of shelter for both humans and animals. Birds tend to put their nests in trees because they feel it is safe in the trees.
Furthermore, trees are played an important role in the development of trade in the African society. Many recognized trade sites where Africans conduct their trade with different groups of traders often had a tree in the surrounding. This was to make it easy for the traders to recognise the location of the trade site.Sites such as the Big Fig Tree in the heart of Kabwe and The Ing’ombe Illede in Siavonga served such purposes.
Different tree species in different locations of different parts of the continent did host markets. Therefore, it must be noted that trees have always been of great economic value to the continue. These trees were and are still being sold as timber and are used for all different beneficial purposes.
Slaves were often traded under such trees like the earlier mentioned Big Fig Tree in Kabwe which is a national monument. This is because the significance of the tree has been historical underpinned. Different parts of the country have such sacred trees that are worth of preserving for national and cultural heritage.
Big tree species like the fallen Muzombo tree of Nakonde were often used for spiritual purposes. Traditional leaders often preferred to house their shrines on such trees so that the citizens of that particular area would easily know the location of the sacred traditional shrine. Shrines under such trees often define what the African religion is based on.
The Muzombo tree of Nakonde albeit now fallen has so many legendary stories about it.The tree was brought down in 2019 to pave way for the construction of the Nakonde-Kanyala Road connecting Zambia and Malawi on the North-eastern side of the country. Nakonde has never been the same ever since the tree was cut. Reaching the site of the fallen Muzombo tree feels as though a part of who we as Zambians and Africans is dead. Therefore, in the fallen state, the tree needs to be preserved and stories about the mighty Muzombo tree documented for posterity.
Furthermore, the cutting down of the tree meant that the history attached to this legendary tree will be lost in oblivion and the young generations will never know why the Muzombo tree was so revelled by the adult generations before them. One of the legendary story about the Muzombo tree is that the tree was never pierced by an axe. Each time one tried to place an axe in the tree, the axe would get broken or remain stuck in the tree. The tree was therefore regard as a sacred tree and its eventual cut down meant a piece of important national history being thrown away. Such trees are a rare sight and should always be preserved as a national monument and for cultural heritage.
African and Zambian history can never and will be complete without the mention of how sacred and important trees have and will always be of who Africans and Zambians are.
Climate Change negative effects have befallen this generation because our lack of environmental intelligence on how important trees to the maintenance of the ecosystem and biodiversity.
Trees will forever be a sacred place for the posterity of humans and the earth.
Picture: Taken in 2019 when the tree was brought down
Kenya is one of Africa’s biggest economies and one of Africa’s preferred Tourist destinations. Kenya is home to over 50 million people. The country has long held the view that it is home to Africa’s growing democracies. The country recently conducted elections which have gone to the highest court of that country for validation
Facts about the Kenyan Election
Kenya went to the polls on 9th August,2022. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission widely known as the IEBC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections. The body has seven (7) Commisioners. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is mandated to announce election results with seven (7) days of the last vote cast
The 2022 Kenyan election was one of the most expensive elections in the history of the country. Kenya was spending a whooping $17 per Voter with the country having over 22 million registered voters Kenyans living in the Diaspora had an opportunity to vote in the general elections. Equally, Prisoners were also accorded an opportunity to exercise the right to vote.
What Happened After 9 August, 2022?
Long time Presidential Aspirant Raila Odinga who this time enjoyed the support of incumbent and outgoing fourth Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was up against William Samoei Ruto who is the immediate past Deputy President of Kenya.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Mr Wafula Chebukati announced that William Samoei Ruto had won the presidential vote amassing 50.49 % defeating Raila Odinga who amassed 48% of the total votes cast. It is worthy noting that since 2002, every presidential election in Kenya has triggered a dispute, with this year’s outcome also causing a rift within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission that oversaw the poll. Some Commissioners disowned Mr Chebukati saying the results he announced were not valid and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission needed to form a quorum when announcing the presidential results.
In 2007 the country experienced and recorded the worst post-election violence with over 100 people killed and thousands displaced when then Incumbent Mwayi Kibaki was declared winner of the Presidential race. This resulted in the formation of a government of national unity with Raila Odinga serving as Prime Minister.
In 2017, Odinga who was making his fifth bid at the top job, also approached the Supreme Court in August, 2017, when President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared winner of the Presidential race. Odinga went further to swear himself as President after the Presidential petition was thrown out. He has since buried the hatchet and enjoyed the support of Kenyatta after the two reconciled.
Petition Filled
Kenyan presidential candidate Raila Odinga has filed an electronic copy of his challenge against the results of this month’s election, a lawyer for his Azimio La Umoja coalition has told a local broadcaster.
“What we did this morning is to file the online copy,” lawyer Daniel Maanzo told Kenyan television channel NTV Kenya on Monday. “After today there will be four days for the other parties to reply.” The physical filing will be done later in the day in the capital, Nairobi.
What Does this Mean for the Future?
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission needs to look at the Odinga Petition and improve on the Transparency levels when it comes to the conduct and eventual announcement of the Election Results.
Odinga called the results that gave Ruto the victory a “joke”. This is a clear indication that the long time Presidential Aspirant feels there is lack of transparency and the in house rift at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission another borne of contention. National Interest and Patriotism should transcend any affiliation to any political parties.
Kenya needs to live up to the tag of a growing democracy and as such should endeavour to increase transparency in the delivery of the whole Electoral process
Beyond the election process, the President-Elect needs to extend an olive branch to all parties as National Unity is for the greater good of Kenya and the East African Community
The Author is A Trained Diplomat Keen follower of African Political Events
My Writings 