Let us talk about ethnic balance. Let us insist that every Kenyan community sees itself represented in its government. But let us never confuse inclusion with tribal patronage.Public office is not inheritance. Neither is it community property. And a government job is not a favour from one tribe to another. It belongs to the Kenyan who deserves it. In my memo tonight, I ask: What is your surname? Kamau? Wanyonyi? Otieno? Kiprotich? Mutua? Abdurahman? Because apparently, in Kenya, that may sometimes be more important than what is written on your CV.This week, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa gave us a rather extraordinary example of how he thinks people from his community who are appointed to senior public positions should behave.Now, it is very easy to dismiss this as another politician saying something outrageous. But perhaps we should stay with it for a moment.Because maybe Barasa has simply said loudly what too many Kenyans have quietly come to accept: that public office belongs to communities.A minister is appointed and we say, Tumepata waziri. A PS is appointed: Tumepata PS. Someone from “our community” gets a parastatal position: Serikali imetukumbuka. And when they are removed? Tumepokonywa.But who exactly is “we”?A Cabinet Secretary from Western is not the Cabinet Secretary for the Luhya community. A Principal Secretary from Central does not work for Kikuyus. A parastatal chair...
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