Dear All,

I have always wanted to discuss the position of our middle vis-a-vis our development and democracy. Political analysts have argued that a middle class that is politically conscious can be a great stimulus to democracy. Kenya seems to have a very backward middle class that is profoundly ambivalent about change towards democracy.Its a middle class that believes that its continued existence depends on the continuation of the status quo.

Remember during the post election demonstrations-the Kenyan middle class wanted to go back to work immediately whether Raila, Kibaki, Bifwoli or even Kofi Annan was the president. They didnt care that other Kenyans wanted change and were ready to fight for it. They watched on TV as Kibera people fought for what they believed was their RIGHT. Such is the backwardness of our middle class BUT when the Grand-Colaition was formed who benefitted most? the middle class.

Secondly, apart from the Law Society of Kenya, which became part and parcel of the discussions that were going on during that time..where were the others? Where was UASU? Where were the intellectuals in Kenya? Couldnt they provide ideas to the Annan group? Couldnt they mobilize to give direction to this country?

The Kenyan middle class is also riven by differences of ethnicity that it’s becoming an unlikely foundation for democratic change. We can talk and talk nicely about change here in bidii and even in our workplaces but when it comes to real voting..we vote with our tribes nomatter what..some have not voted for a person not from their tribe for 45 years and they claim that they too need change.But one problem with the Kenyan middle class is that its largely formed by civil servants who were created by Moi-many of whom did not even deserve the positions that they today hold. They have never known anything but “serikali” and so any change is uncharted waters to them. They own nothing but their jobs in government ministries.

In Phillipines in 1983 when Marcos rigged the elections and claimed victory as happened in Kenya by Kibaki-the army stepped in and restored order by supporting the winning candidate-Corazon Aquino. Kofi Annan did not have to go there to negotiate a Grand Coalition. Such is the middle class that can usher in democracy. Our army had a role in 2007. They could have stepped in and restored order then either organize democratic free and fair elections or installed the winner. But again they have nothing but serikali whole their lives.

In South Korea in 1987 When Chung Dae Hwan-the President refused to organize presidential elections when his term has ended and wanted to appoint another general to take over, the South Korean people demonstrated for three days and surprisingly were joined by the POLICE,who were sent to quell the demonstration and demanded that free elections be held. Have you ever imagined that the Kenyan police can join demonstrators??? for a common cause for the country???

We also have a very timid political culture that is easily demonstrated in our matatus. One conductor easily bullies grown men and women by deciding on how much the fare will be. For example the fare from city center to South C can be 20 shillings that is well known to all and sundry. But the conductor can decide that its 40 shillings inside the matatu. Surprisingly Kenyans will pay this 40 shillings and if you protest, you will remain alone while others timidly part with 40 shillings. This will never happen in Nigeria. We are such cowards even to a matatu conductor becuase we value our confort and convinience so much that we can not unite to change things around.

The poor in Kenya have done and are doing all that they can for change to come but the middle class is letting them down everyday. Please wake up Kenyan middle..Wake up and change this country for the benefit of all..

Regards,
Senator.

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Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:18:30 -0800 [07:18:30 AM CST]
From: owinga bonfas
Subject: The Kenyan Weak and Backward Middle Class