The stoning of Azimio Alliance leader Raila Odinga by what appeared as an organised offensive in Uasin-Gishu County should be condemned by all peace loving Kenyans.
If indeed this particular unfortunate and dangerous incident was organised by some politicians, political intolerance has reached unimaginable levels.
How in their right minds could leaders plot to put the life of fellow leaders at risk in this manner?
What gain would accrue to any leader if, God forbid, the worst happened to Raila at that moment and place?
Allegations aside, nothing happens in connection with politics spontaneously.
The other day, Kenyans and Christians were mollified to see Raila’s wife, Ida being humiliated while at a church function in Meru county.
It is general knowledge certain leaders orchestrated the heckling by a section of women in the audience.
These incidences are not confined to Odingas but cut across the board putting at risk those campaigning for political seats in the forthcoming general election.
However, what is extremely worrying is that some leaders want to create no-go zones for their political opponents.
I have read some comments to the effect that Raila deserved stoning because his competitor, Deputy President William Ruto was stoned while campaigning in Kondele, Kisumu.
From where I sit, two wrongs cannot make a right. In this regard, those deriving gratification from tit-for-tat mentality are the worst sadists in society.
While our Constitution gives every Kenyan the right of movement and settlement anywhere within the borders, there are those with different plans.
Ideally, communal feelings of entitlement by dint of belonging to certain areas is unavoidable but the same should be overcome by appreciating the value of symbiotic relationship with others.
Kambas, Kalenjins, Merus, Kikuyus, Luos and other tribes will claim ancestry rights but such should be tempered by sense of nationhood.
Hardcore narrow minded tribal chauvinists will however wish they reserved rights of access because this will guarantee them power over their people through ethnic capture.
What are the downturns to ethnic intolerance?
The incident reminds one of past pogroms in the Rift Valley by what came to be known as Kalenjin Warriors during the single party period and even after Kenya embraced multi-partism.
It also reminds one of the political skirmishes following the blotched 2017 presidential election when half of the country was a no-go zone for certain leaders.
This incident coming close to a hotly contested election can spark retaliations, which could not be good for any leader, ordinary Kenyans notwithstanding.
It appears the old wounds of ethnic violence perpetrated by groups such as Kaya Bombo, Mungiki, Baghdad Boys, and other outlawed groups will never heal if we have thoughtless leaders organising Raila or any other leader to be stoned.
Surely, why would those fomenting violence in Rift-Valley or elsewhere expect to be treated differently when campaigning in their opponents’ political strongholds?
Why should a leader feel threatened in their perceived strongholds?
This Uasin Gishu incident should be a wake-up call to be proactive by utilizing intelligence system to mitigate such from happening.
This is not a time for a reactive security docket.
Our courts should also up their game because even when inciters and perpetrators are arrested for causing violence, they are never convicted due to legal technicalities.
There is no compelling reasons why the courts are soft on leaders who publicly incite the public to act violently.
Finally, what a leader or leaders should do to achieve political zoning while campaigning is to convince Kenyans by outlining issues of importance to them but not by acts of violence.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Kaunda wa Muchunku
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