EDITORIAL: Lessons From Kenya

We have to learn key lessons from the debacle in Kenya. The part resolution of the crises over the contentious finance bill came with a heavy cost. An underestimate claims that 20 people lost their lives. 

This number is grotesque and brings to the fore once again the compatibility of policing systems across the African continent, with any acceptable definition of democracy. Sadly, policing in Africa is still misinterpreted as regime protection; this has to stop! 

A key lesson from Kenya is that politicians must accept the imperative and indeed the vital role of Civil Society in a democracy. A vibrant civil society in reality guides and guards a democracy.  Here in Nigeria, we have not been guided by this even after the “EndSARS” protest with predictably disastrous results. 

READ: Kenya: President Ruto Bows To Pressure, Withdraws Finance Bill Amid Death Of Protesters

The post-colonial state in Africa must learn that fiscal rectitude is crucial and that macro-economic stability is the best way to achieve social justice and the protection of living standards which is necessary for sustainable development. The elite cannot arrogance to themselves benefits denied to the rest of the population and then ask for sacrifices, or never work. 

President Ruto has to go back to the drawing board and work out a new fiscal landscape that should be based on shared sacrifice, and so should the rest of the African continent.

Fiscal discipline must start with the leadership of the country as in leadership by example. Announcing the “austerity measures” of 1962, the political leadership showed outstanding commitment to social cohesion by accepting voluntary pay cuts and reductions in the costs of the machinery of government.  This was a high point in the political history of Nigeria sadly it was not sustained and transformed into the template.

Today, we are back to square one with ballooning costs of government and the pursuit of grandiose projects such as the unnecessary completion with 21 billion Naira of an official residence for the Vice President. Previous Vice Presidents must have been residing somewhere and it could not have been under a bridge. 

President Ruto too has announced cuts which should have preceded the announcement of the controversial Finance Bill. The lesson must sink in that power comes with responsibility and sacrifices.