The kenyan public are no better than their government!

The behaviour of Kenyan motorists that i witnessed recently just adds to my conviction that a government is a reflection of the people that elects or tolerates it, and as such, the general Kenyan population are no better than their government officials and probably deserves them(the officials). In my recent visit to Kenya, i observed a host of such actions, but consider just this one.

I never heard of motorist deliberately and continually running a red light! Even if one got a DL without any driving school education, i would imagine that after a few days on the road, and if one is endowed with a mustard seed of common sense, one soon realises that a red means a complete stop. When approaching a round-about, i asked my brother, who was driving, whether people obeyed the right-of-way concept. His response, “do it at your own peril. Watch what will happen”. And yes, everybody proceeded to disobey the perfectly working lights(red,green etc). I could not believe it! It is as if the logic is “its red, OK, but i bet i can beat that mama, and, there is no cop!”. This happened at all the round-abouts (whatever the spelling!) and at stop signs!

Surely, must there be a “good government” in place or a traffic policeman in sight for people to use common sense to realise that one’s own survival (leave alone that of the general society) dictates obedience to some simple agreed upon contracts or laws? If Kamau on the streets disobeys well laid out regulations, why are people surprised that Mr Kibaki does not follow any laws or agreements? Why are people surprised that a Policeman is unethical?

Granted, a government for the people may help reduce the cases of lawlessness, but i am afraid if the people choose to be base, they will always have a base government.

Thank God i do not have to drive in that mayhem!