Presidency will matter less if we elect the right reps

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States and the only one to have served more than two terms, aptly noted that “democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely”.

These words remain relevant every time citizens express displeasure with their leadership in a democracy because often the displeasure reflects our bad choices. You see, despite the public outcry  against the 2024 Finance Bill, our elected MPs, folks who are paid to represent us and our aspirations and guard over the excesses of the Executive, went against our wishes, betrayed us, and voted for the bill.

In fact, a majority of them went to the top of the hill to remind us that our wishes and demands don’t count against the demands of a powerful master that they pay allegiance to. The kind of chest-thumping of most of the MPs who voted Yes was not only shocking but also the tipping point that our democracy needed.

This generation of young Kenyans has taken over both the physical and digital spaces. They are reminding us of the words of Justice Louis Brandeis, who said, speaking of the US, that “the only title in our democracy superior to that of the president is the title of citizen”.

Today, Kenyan citizens are privileged to have this generation that has decided to remind the political class and its acolytes that it is possible to exercise sovereign power that the Constitution clearly says belongs – all of it – to the people of Kenya.

The option of exercising the power directly and NOT through delegated state organs like Parliament is in full and active mode.

The truth, however, is that the dysfunctional and inept leadership we have seen since the inception of the Fifth Republic is a function of our bad choices. We have MPs who have shown beyond reasonable doubt that they do not deserve the powers delegated by the sovereign citizens of this great nation.

In the last few weeks, Gen Zs have not only said no to these elected leaders, but also to other appropriated entities like the Church and the earlier generation that has over the years probably resigned to the fact that they can survive unwise choices.

Interestingly, a few MPs have come out to talk about the ineptitude of Parliament and called for it to be dissolved. Typical of our leaders who lead not by example but by what they say and don’t mean. I guess no MP will take the direction of resigning, but this is the direction Gen Zs should take.

The recent consciousness that has seen young people from all over the world speak to issues in Kenya and most importantly engage in proactive discussions means that these Gen Zs can change things and change them now. If MPs decided that their allegiance was to the President, then we need not worry so much about the presidency but get rid of all the MPs who want to serve the President.

To make these protests count for the real change that we all desire, they should rid Parliament of MPs who sing and dance to the tune of the establishment and replace them with young, vibrant, clean and energetic qualified Kenyans who will serve the people diligently. Conversations have been going on and it is safe to argue that the pathway to recalling MPs is clear, well articulated and fully supported by brilliant minds. There is even a very dynamic website that gives you everything about an MP and the number needed to petition the IEBC for a recall.

Parliament is still the best bet for representation and negotiation around the plight of  Gen Zs. Therefore, no one should masquerade as the negotiating leader of the Gen Zs , because having come this far, the time is nigh to recall as many MPs as possible and elect Gen Zs, millennials and Gen X who have distinguished themselves during these tumultuous periods as leaders worthy of the power of the sovereign delegate.

Gen Zs, take your time. Once you make the wise choices in who you elect as your MP and MCA, it would matter less who the President or the governor is, your collective will, and interest will see this nation soar.