Celebrating our Political Class for a job well done

We rarely give credit to our beloved political class. We have become so accustomed to nit-picking the actions of our honorable members that we no longer pause and appreciate their good deeds.

In the wake of the 2013 general election, we went in an unwarranted rampage against our cherished members of parliamnet after they decided to increase their perks and showed a lot reservation in paying taxes.  How could an already overpaid lot (some of the best paid in both the developing and developed world) unanimously pass a legislation to increase their salaries in a country where a section of the population struggles to put food on the table?-we pondered. But of course they were justified- they were quick to inform us- their clueless commoners. What with such a demanding electorate that lay claim to their salaries by demanding their hard earned cash with the excuse of offsetting hospital bills for  their sick relatives and the tired story of taking  their poor children to school.

First forward to 2015 and we are expressing some sort of outrage that a section of the legislature is embroiled in graft. We appeared mortified to learn that the arm of government tasked with keeping graft at bay and keeping the executive on toes has been caught red handed with their fingers in the candy jar. Of course our outrage is outrage is a knee-jerk reaction. If we are really honest with ourselves, the clear obsession of some parliamentarians to scrutinize nearly all key flagship projects (even the ones which appeared beyond reproach) among them the Standard Gauge Railway should have been a clear pointer that not all was well with our legislature.

But enough with the whining. Our political class really does deserve some credit this time round. Late last year and as recent as last week, we have witnessed blows being exchanged, trousers  ripped apart, necks wringed-and  all captured by glaring cameras, right at the heart  of both the national and county assemblies. Why is this commendable? Admittedly, it was a bit of a shocker, it is not common to see an elite class trading blows in a civilized society. But after the initial shock, we ought to realize or at least hope that the tide is somehow turning. We may now be moving from an era where politicians no longer feel the need settle personal and political goals by inciting the electorate along tribal divide. As it appears, our elites seem to have learnt that their personal and political battles should be settled where they emanate – with themselves!

We should hope that they will can keep trading blows in parliament, perhaps that way, they will have less energy for their tribal tirades which can only mean a more prosperous and peaceful Kenya.