In 2020, Kenyans must become political animals

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle described man as a ‘Zoon Politikon’ – a political animal – by his very nature. 

He believed that men (and women) must own their democracy, and must come together to realise their own ends as individuals. 

Indeed, students of Aristotle cannot miss the importance of diversity being the underpinning of a free society in his works.

Aristotle is the anti-authoritarian, noting that “some rule, and others are ruled, in turn, as if they had become, for the time being, different persons.” 

He structures his Politics as a science. A science of building harmony from diversity.  Unlike Plato, Aristotle does not envision authoritarian philosopher kings sitting in ivory towers ruling over their subjects. 

He believes in well-educated citizens being active as individuals in the economic, social and political life of the broader state.

As Kenya looks to redefine its political system and political culture, Aristotle should be our Greek guide for 2020. 

This is why the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) moves from theory to practice; the people must own this process, not as political scientists, nor political theorists, but as political animals in this political ecosystem.

Many an eyebrow was raised when the BBI taskforce visited all the 47 counties to collect the people’s views.

And yet more eyebrows were raised when the recommendations included a further period of consultation, and an opportunity for Kenyans to ask questions.

Kenyans will be asked again to take part in the reframing of our democratic future.

For those who discuss politics and for those who don’t, this is a chance for all have a say.

Whether by petitioning the BBI team, or voting in the referendum, we must not let this historic moment pass us by, our voices must be heard.

Are you fed up with the same old names and faces? Are you fed up with elections being about ethnicity and not economy? Are you fed up with the fear of post-election violence and aggressive and personality-based campaigns?

When was the last time a Kenyan election was about ideas or policies or manifestos?

For too long, Kenyan elections have not been about the individual (you and me), but rather an individual.

It is not about us, but about them. Not about the underrepresented many, but the elite few. This must change.

When we read through the BBI report, we can see that not an area of Kenyan political culture remains untouched. Of course, not all the answers are there. And not all recommendations are final.

The field of fighting corruption is a good example. How obvious and how easy is the issue of not allowing political figures and civil servants to take part in public tenders?

In the field of accountability, how important is it to increase transparency at all levels of government.

In the field of representation, how palpable is it to all that we must decentralise and move away from winner takes all politics.

Furthermore, the suggestion to make sure that there is a female candidate in every governor and deputy governor pairing in a new and improved devolution, will elevate Kenyan women to positions of real power in every state.

There is no such thing as a perfect democracy, nor a perfect political system.  This is an age-old debate. In fact, Plato’s own Republic receives the term Utopia – a place of perfection which is impossible to achieve. 

However, as we strive for a better Kenya, a bit of Aristotelian pragmatism is necessary.

Aristotle’s political world view culminated in a bottom-line which states that power belongs to the people. The citizens are the sovereign.  The elite does not know best, the people do. “There is this to be said about the many”, Aristotle writes, “Each of them by them by himself may not be of quality; but when they all come together it is possible that they may surpass, collectively and as a body, not individually, the quality of the few best.” It is time for Kenyans to come together.