Mutava's 'It is time' Kenyan version of 'Yes we can'

Mutava walked where Angels feared to tread

Updated on: Sunday, July 3, 2011 Story by: MEEME JOSHUA

Brother Mutava Musyimi Kisilu, has launched his presidential bid with a call to change the game and also change the players. Rules of the game have definitely been changed after the passage of the new constitution. But the players are the same common feature in our TV sets and our radios. Shall Gachoka MP pull another surprise for the presidential stab the same way he did to doyen of politics in Gachoka son of the Nyaga dynasty? Does the son of Riakanau with a Kamba name having schooled in Illinois have the wherewithal and mettle to wade through the politics and emerge clean? His ilk Timothy Njoya Presbyterian Church and David Gitari of Anglican Church, as Mutava Musyimi was with Baptist Church stood for the truth when it was dangerous living to speak the truth. Indeed, they represented the voice of dissent that dared the feared Moi regime. But professing the name of God cowed daredevil politicians of the type of Moi and his totalitarian regime.

Even as political leaders perfected the art of fence sitting, Mutava trio exerted pressure from within. The burst of Moi's maestro political ego was partly linked to the men of cloth. Mutava has now transited from the pulpit to the podium. The question is the transition smooth or are there points of asymptotes? Being truthful to myself and to the Kenyan people we need to know Mutava fought for the Second Liberation with passion. But his silence in the New Constitutional debate revealed the other side of his indecisiveness when confronted by difficult decision making. By his silence it could easily be interpreted to mean he supported the Constitution as many church leaders did silently. But he still wanted to take the Christian voting block as his collateral to the political bank.

This eloquent, soft spoken, intrepid, charismatic Mutava is Kenyan version of Obama rise to US Presidency having served as the Illinois Senator for one term. Mutava has the ingredients of a level minded politicians and untainted by the past trappings of power and influence he brandished. I bet Moi regime must have used threats and coercion to silence him but failed. The other two of the famous trio have grown tired but the fire they started is still burning. We celebrate church leaders who stood up against establishments that were out to oppress people. Let me address myself to the son of Tabitha and Stephen Kisilu.

Mutava, your presidential bid is symbolic viewed from all angles. It is symbolic that Nakuru is geographically at the centre of Kenya. If shock waves start from Nakuru they are likely to reverberate to other regions in eccentric circles. Secondly, Nakuru is truly cosmopolitan. Yellow seems to be the colour you have chosen. With your Kamba lineage and mannerism, I understand why yellow was your favourable pigment. Candle symbolizes light. Mutava we as Kenyans expect that you will be a candle that will light 40 million Kenyans with equality, constitutionalism and corruption free leadership. The way 47 counties were emblazoned on your shirt should be supported by practical steps on how to end the debilitating problem of tribalism. The slogan “It is time” sounds cool and so is its Swahili version “Wakati ni sasa.” However, the daunting task is turning this good slogan into ideologies that Kenyans can not only believe in but are practically possible.

Mutava you had the audacity to tear Moi regime into shreds when few dared. Kenyans squirmed at your bravery and courage to aim at a big target like Moi. Just like the David of the Holy Book which you are very well aware of, when everybody else was scared of Goliath because of his size, David remarked “this dude is too large to miss,” and placed his pebble stone on his sling. You made first leap of faith by opposing Joe Nyaga (who was then member of Pentagon at a time when Orange wave was sweeping the country) but you trounced him despite his root in the political family. Can you pull another surprise at the national level?

Using both African names Mutava renounced his Christian name in 1983 through a Kenya Gazette Notice No. 2268. It is not clear whether son of Kisilu loathes his Christian name Isaac, but what is clear is he hated Moi and his version of leadership with passion. What a better stage to launch your dream than at the bosom of the man who tormented you?

Reverend Mutava went for Master of Theology at Trinity Divinity School, Illinois. Mutava seems to have acquired the demeanor that characterize politicians from Illinois, remember “Obama's Yes we can” slogan also originated from the same state. Is there some magic in Illinois? Mutava was seen as a compromise candidate to dislodge Kanu from power nine years ago. But it was not time, now it is time!

“It is time! It is as if we have become spectators of a bad team playing a bad game. It is time to take responsibility. It is time to get a new team, a winning team. It is time to get a credible manager. It is time!” Indeed this was well thought and catchy. But Mutava why did you become a spectator of a bad game? Are you guilty of conspiracy? A winning team? If my sense have not failed me you were alone on the podium. No sitting MP accompanied you. Are you walking alone?

But your history bares you witness: you championed for constitutional changes from the pulpit and then moved to NCCK then to Ufungamano Initiative. Mutava just like a good student you sat silent for four years in Parliament learning the game of politics. Hope you have not learned the wrong tricks. Baba Mueni-Nyokabi and Syano, you have what it takes but just like Diamond it requires vigorous polishing. This my duty, son of Kisilu.

Email:joshmemento@yahoo.com