Dear Editor,

I am a Kenyan living in Rwanda and I am learning so much from Rwanda that I wish other Kenyans too would learn as well. I am getting to see firsthand what good leadership and citizenry can do for a nation. 

Rwanda has faced some of the biggest challenges of our times but has addressed these them in the most upfront manner. The people of Rwanda did not do what the people of Kenya are doing, trying to wish the past away or pretending that the past did not happen.

Rwandans realized that for permanent solutions to the challenges of their past to be realized, they must look their past in the eye no matter how painful. It is emerging that what seems to work most efficiently is the Rwandan Gacaca courts.

Although the truth and reconciliation offered in the Gacaca court is painful, it is the pain that is experienced when wounds are healing. For Rwanda, the law protects the innocent, prevent crime and rehabilitate those found guilty.

In Kenya on the other hand, our parliamentarians are busy amending laws to suit them at any point while many corrupt and ill intended citizens are learning that the safest place to hide from the rule of law is actually right under the law.

At the end of the day, the solution for Kenyan problems lies with the ordinary Kenyans. Just like Rwandans have taken the step to maintain peace and order and to address the challenges of leadership by making responsible decisions.

Kenyans have to rise and demand for equality in application of the rule of law. The cost of crime has to be made so high and sure that everyone will think twice before committing any crime. For the first time Kenyans should demand a look at our past.

Not a glance but a serious look at our past. We have to stay on an issue until we get a solution. We have to look for solutions from within. It all starts with us and therefore it must end with us.

Our leaders have to start serving us and stop serving themselves. If our leaders fail us, we should not fail each other. We have seen in action right here in our neighbour Rwanda what good leadership, accountability and transparency can do to transform a country.

Fiona Gatere
Tel: +250-037 86839