I've been having quite a dramatic time on the campaign trail. For the very first time, I now truly understand the statement, that “a day in politics is just too long”. So much has been changing on the ground. Party alignments are going on and numerous candidates are emerging at both civic and parliamentary levels. The season of deceit and deal making is here with us again.
As the campaign mood grips the voters of Kileleshwa ward, a general feeling of expectation can be felt on the ground. Over the last few months, my interaction with Kileleshwa voters has been a worthwhile experience. From Waruku to Rhapta road, right up to the numerous residential courts that dot Gichugu road, Kandara road, to Kenya High school and Othaya road, the experience has been an eye opener.
For the majority of these residents, there is a strong feeling that the next Councillor should be visible and ready to interact openly, and frequently with the residents. One resident I met recently on Mwingi road had this to say,
”Yaani, I don’t even know the current Councillor. I’ve never seen him. What do these guys actually do?”
These sentiments are generally reflective of the many voters who reside in the Kileleshwa residential courts. The Majority have no idea who the incumbent is, let alone seeing him.
However, Waruku is a slightly different scenario. I’m a frequent visitor there because it’s quite close to my place. Indeed if you ask me, I’ll tell you that this is the place that should receive the greatest attention by any sitting Councillor in Kileleshwa. It comprises informal settlements that stretch all the way from Musa Gitau road to Kangemi.
Talking to men and women there, the general sentiment is that Councillors (who they know very well) have not been working for the people but for themselves. And this is true because there is no single project that has been initiated by a sitting Councillor over the last 10 years in Waruku. I’ve also checked in the greater Kileleshwa and am yet to pinpoint a single Councillor-initiated project.
Past promises to build a shopping centre, roads and put up public lighting in Waruku have not been fulfilled. The murram roads are a muddy nightmare whenever it rains. Amazingly, there’s not a single Council clinic in the whole of Kileleshwa.
What happens to all the LATF and LASDAP funds that are given out to the Councillor for such community projects? This is a persistent question which many Nairobi City Councillors may not be able to answer very confidently.
A lady shopkeeper captured this tragic situation in Kiswahili for me.
”Tunapowachagua hawa watu, kitu ya kwanza wanacho fanya nikuhama nyumba. Tukiwaona tena, ni wakati kamu huu, time za campaign. Na hakuna kazi ambayo wametufanyia. Wanakuja kudanganya kina mama na vijana kwa shillingi hamsini.”
Translated as - "When we elect these people (Councillors), the first thing they do is to change houses. The next time we see them is during the campaigns. There's no work they have done. They just come to cheat the women and young people with 50 shillings."
When I talk to the younger voters, they tell me that in this year’s elections they'll not vote leaders based on party “waves” as happened in 2002. They believe that this is one of the reasons the Ward ends up with non-performing Councillors.
“Tunapigia kura ma individuals, vile tutawasoma,” says Steve, a young man who resides in Waruku. As we draw nearer to the general elections, I hope and pray that he’s right.
