Kenyan politicians are running out of adjectives to describe the Late retired President Benjamin Mkapa – By Henry Kimoli.
The diminutive former Tanzania President was a popular figure here. During his first official visit as Head of State to Nairobi, Mkapa mesmerized Kenyans with his mastery of the Kiswahili language, greeting them thus: ‘Wakenya Mpo?’ This was at Nyayo Stadium during a Madaraka day fete.
This however is not the plot of this story.
Since his demise, politicians have been shedding crocodile tears over the regional icon, despite miserably failing to emulate his firm stand of politics of inclusivity.
Mkapa separated former President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga during a senseless bloodletting duel in 2008. His stand was simple. Share power. Save Kenya.
Mkapa has no known interests in Kenya. He has no money stashed here. No beach hotel or exclusive apartment. But he viewed Kenya as a neighbor, who needed to live in peace for Tanzania to sleep well. This was selfless.
Mkapa exercised utmost humility and held talks with Musalia Mudavadi, Martha Karua, Moses Wetangula, and Professor Ongeri. These were not his peers…but he knew they held Kibaki and Raila’s sway.
Ultimately, he achieved his mission. Raila and Kibaki agreed to share power. Kenya won.
Now the same politicians are feigning shock and disbelief over the Mkapa demise. Rather than seek his glue of honesty and selfless service, they are boring us with what we already know.
Mkapa was about respect for public property. Zero tolerance to graft. Inclusivity. You have no business mourning him if these values mean nothing to you.
Professional mourners are not in short supply in Kenya. But if you have done nothing to inculcate peace and unity, you have no business mourning Mkapa.
He was a Tanzanian yes. But he clearly loved Kenya more than some of the hypocrites now mourning him.
If tribal bigotry, nepotism, and corruption are your yardsticks, leave Mkapa alone.
Mkapa, you were small in stature. But larger than life itself. Fare thee well.
