2007 Speeches
The Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. in Kenya
Speech to the Martin Luther King Foundation in Kenya
January 15, 2007
Good afternoon. I am very pleased to be here today to commemorate the day on which we honor the legacy and spirit of one of the world's great heroes. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an inspiration not only to the people of the United States but was, and continues to be, a motivator for people around the world. He is an inspiration because he was a man of just and great vision. The establishment of the MLK Foundation in Kenya, and your presence here today demonstrate that. I am honored that in Kenya, half a world away from the U.S., the youth have decided to dedicate a foundation to Dr. King, a great American, and indeed a great global citizen.
I can feel your enthusiasm to participate in Kenya's political process and even run for elected office. There's electricity in the air here and it's very exciting. It is therefore a unique opportunity for me to address you at this, the beginning of an election year for your country. At this critical time, I am very happy that, in the spirit of the very strong U.S.-Kenyan partnership, the U.S. is able to support this conference. Over the next couple of days, these sessions will make an important contribution to Kenya's democratic development by fostering your participation in the political process.
Kenya is a young country. In the near future, given demographic trends, it will truly be a democracy of young people. There is a generational change underway that will contribute to the transformation of this country. You are that generational change. It's happening now! By participating in this conference, you are signaling your intention to be part of the dynamic democratic development that is changing Kenya for the better. Your elders earned their country's political freedom through sacrifice. Today, Kenyans are working to preserve, defend, and expand that freedom. Part of that expansion is the participation of more young men and women in Kenyan politics.
You are proof of what I've observed in my nearly six months here: that Kenyans across the political, social and economic spectrum are determined and willing to work hard to keep their country moving in the right direction. One of the major challenges to that positive momentum, however, is that while it is increasingly free and open, Kenya's political process remains too narrowly focused on tribal, regional, and personal interests. This threatens to dampen the true spirit of democracy, and it poses a formidable obstacle to young Kenyans who wish to become active in their country's political life. I am encouraged, however, that Kenya's youth, in particular, that recognize the danger of ethnically-based politics. Kenya's ethnic diversity and rich cultural traditions are a great strength. The challenge you all face is to keep them from intruding into politics and leading to the triumph of divisive tribal and regional priorities over a truly national agenda.
It is appropriate to address these challenges today, on Martin Luther King Day, as you consider your participation in Kenyan politics. In the course of our own political, social, and democratic development, the United States also struggled against regional and ethnic divisions and fought for fair treatment for all Americans. It has been a difficult, and at times very painful, even violent, process. Having come of age during the years that King was transforming America, at a very young age, in fact - he was only 35 when he won the Nobel Peace Prize - I humbly offer the following thoughts on applying his vision and his principles to Kenya.
The competition of elective politics should center on political platforms, on policies and a vision for the country. Unfortunately, too often political debate in Kenya today revolves around appeals to tribal resentments and vying for state resources. To focus solely on topics that divide the nation, rather than shared aspirations, is dangerous, as the world, including Kenya, has experienced too many times. As the country enters another election cycle, tribalism and political alliances based on ethnic voting seem to be prominent themes. I am, however, convinced that Kenyan politics is fast maturing to recognize the dignity and civic conscience of the individual citizen, leaving the divisive political traditions of ethnic competition behind. It is your generation's destiny to take Kenya to this next stage of national democratic development.
Surely Martin Luther King would support this inclusive, issues-based form of politics. He preached genuine outreach and inclusivity in the development of political agendas geared toward social progress. And he focused on platforms and strategies for economic growth and job creation, improved governance, and better education and healthcare delivery programs for all. In his remarks during his famous civil rights march in Washington in 1963 King said, "I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." In fact, the civil rights movement in America was a genuine coalition that reached across economic and racial lines.
I encourage all politicians and political actors in Kenya to frame their approaches to this year's elections in ways that appeal to Kenyans of all regions, religions, ages, gender, and tribal backgrounds. This is the challenge before you as you approach your political careers: to infuse Kenya's political process with the sprit of Dr. King; the spirit of inclusivity, of national identity rather than tribal or regional loyalties, and of the pursuit of public office for the national rather than personal good. Strive to develop national platforms that address the key challenges facing Kenya and all of its citizens.
Not only is issue-based campaigning the right thing to do - it is the right time for politics in Kenya to evolve. And it can be a winning strategy too. According to opinion polls, the main factor in Kenyan voters' choice for a president is his or her development record. Furthermore, the most important issues to Kenyans are those around the economy - creating employment, reducing poverty, and promoting economic growth. Thus, it is time to capitalize on the national aspirations of Kenyans when pursuing public office. The youth can break ranks with old campaign tactics and move Kenya's democracy forward. Right now, through this conference and your political activism, you can use your influence to hold politicians accountable to act on the basis of national - not tribal, regional, or personal - interest.
Just like the U.S., Kenya is a truly diverse place: 42 ethnic groups, a multitude of languages and customs. The one thing you all share, however, is that you are Kenyan. Your political process can and must reflect that - in the conduct of elections, in the organization of parties, and in the composition of government.
This is a challenge for all Kenyans, not just those who plan to run for public office. I urge all of you to spread the message to your peers to register to vote. Democracy is a participatory system - it only works when people participate. It is incumbent upon you as youth leaders to get the word out before voter registration closes ahead of this year's election.
The most striking parallel between Kenya today and the U.S. during Dr. King's leadership of the civil rights movement is the restlessness of the Kenyan people for the benefits of democracy. Just as King said in his "I Have A Dream Speech" that "America had given black Americans a 'bad check,' ... that had been returned marked insufficient funds," so now do Kenyans want their political leaders to address the compelling issues of poverty, of poor schools, of improving national health standards, and of improving the country's infrastructure with seriousness and integrity.
Just as Dr. King challenged the U.S. to take seriously the needs of African Americans to be full participants in the political process, and for the need for all Americans to become beneficiaries of democracy, I believe that Kenya's political parties should similarly seek to generate national consensus based on the competition of political principles, governing programs, and ideas.
I am confident, based on what I've heard and seen and learned during my time in Kenya so far, that just as your 2002 elections were a landmark, the 2007 elections hold the potential to be an historical landmark in Kenya's democratic process. I urge you to set high standards for the political and electoral processes, and to hold politicians to high expectations. Let us hope that these elections will be marked by a national debate on the fundamental issues facing the country, and by broad participation of all Kenyans across ethnic, gender, and generational divides.
Martin Luther King had a dream. He pursued that dream and he inspired future generations to fulfill it. I encourage all of you to pursue your dreams for the democratic future of this great country. Finally, I do get the point from all of you: you are organized; you are a force; you aren't just the future, you are the present. That gives you a huge opportunity but also a tremendous responsibility rests on your shoulders. I look forward to hearing your voices in the days and weeks and months ahead. I will leave here today inspired!