Graveside Politics: Are we seeing the death of decorum?

This post originally appeared in Daily Nation (DN2 Magazine) July 30 2014

Photo courtesy: nation.co.ke

On July 12, the Saturday Nation had the headline, "Brace for tough times ahead, Uhuru told". That was the message opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula could not wait to tell President Uhuru Kenyatta.

What is noteworthy is not the message, but the occasion they chose to deliver it – during the burial  of Raila's mother in law.

Using the same platform, Kalonzo criticised Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado for allegedly, disrespecting his Cord counterparts. “Let me tell you Bwana governor to your face, you should respect other Cord leaders.”

The Cord leaders made the statements despite requests by Raila's wife, Ida, that leaders shun politics on the occasion. Ironically, Kalonzo disrespected the wishes of Mrs Odinga in pointing out Obando's supposed lack of respect.

Politics is a dirty game, and it doesn’t matter whether the mud being thrown should be directed towards the coffin instead. Politicians will readily tread upon the grief of family members with the same ease they desecrate “holy” places of worship. Decorum does not rhyme with politics. To the politician, a gathering of people is an invitation to speak, no matter the context.

Perhaps it is this trend that made Priscilla Nyokabi, Nyeri Woman Representative, to post a Facebook status update saying:

“When I grow up in politics I may learn to enjoy politicking in funerals! As it is I find it such a challenge especially where I have no connection with the one who has passed on.... That a family is sad burying their mom, dad, bro, sis, uncle, aunt and some politicians come around to do their politics...

“While politicians love the idea of a readily or self mobilised crowd, I think, as a country, we need to have some values and sacred arenas... Of what use is the Referendum agenda or the Government programmes to the deceased? Ama ni anayetuaga aende akijua yanayojiri duniani! (Or is it to update the deceased on what's happening in the world?)

“As for the living, we can always find other arenas to share on the politics of the day... We need to cut out politics in funerals and allow our family members and loved ones to rest in peace!”

Decorum is rarely present in our politics. Any wonder that so many people have such a negative attitude towards politics? Merriam Webster defines politics as “the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy”. The same dictionary describes a politician as “a person experienced in the art or science of government; especially:  one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government.”

Our local politicians seem to have lost both the art and the science of politics. Clay is mud, but it makes a world of difference whether we put the clay in the hands of the politician and the hands of a potter.

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Ngare