I have written and commented on national politics with acres of ideas but not local Tharaka-Nithi County politics with the same vigour.
Several people have requested me to spare time and do an analysis of local politics but I have politely declined for good and bad reasons.
My argument is based on the Theory of Stupidity (No insult intended).
In his famous letters from prison, Bonhoeffer argued that stupidity is a more dangerous enemy of the good than malice, because while “one may protest against evil, it can be exposed and prevented by the use of force but against stupidity we are defenceless.
Neither protests nor the use of force accomplish anything if those you desire to sensitise on issues are stubborn.
In this regard, I take seriously the audience I engage ideas with and to be on safe ground, a national audience is preferable on the emotive issues of politics.
I shudder to imagine what kind of differences could develop between me and my T/Nithi people, including close relatives if I write or orally discuss TNC politicians, some who again are friends and kinsmen and women.
If the outcome of doing so on national figures is in itself a ‘danger’ to blood and friendship bonds, what can happen if I ignore this factor and comment on local politicians with the same factuality that I do with national political honchos?
As a person who value social harmony, I occasionally throw in a reactionary comment or two on obtaining dynamics in TNC careful not to invoke ‘hostility’ from my people.
On the other hand, I throw myself into the national politics commentaries like fish in the water. The reason I do so is mainly because national audience forgets very quickly- it hold no lasting grudges.
In psychology, Bonhoeffer’s theory of stupidity is explained as a lack of intelligence, understanding, reason, or wit. It may be innate, assumed or reactive.
That is why however good a person’s idea or reasoning is, the biases that we hold at different points in time as individuals will supercede everything else.
In other words, good becomes evil and bad good, safety danger and vice versa.
The political campaign period is here and knowledgeable Kenyans (those who should know better) are behaving and supporting the undesirable yet it is obvious doing so could end up in pain.
It is comical if not mental disorder to encounter a professor or a clergyman or woman justifying thieving, corruption and ethnic stereotyping for no reason other than momentary mental gratification.
As Bonhoeffer has revealed, arguments such as, “Who is not a thieve,” borders on stupidity of the highest order.
To cut the long story short, I would rather spend time analysing or discussing national or international political issues rather than local TNC housekeeping matters in order to avoid frictions with those I respect most.
In any case national politics mirror local dynamics and therefore i end up killing two birds with one stone effortlessly and safely.
Kaunda wa Muchunku
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