Women are the ones holding Kenya together

In Nyanza, a high level of political awareness and an overpowering sense of victimhood are mitigated by a determination and courage to agitate for a changed political dispensation in Kenya. I could go on and on.

What are the commonalities?

Unfortunately at this point in our history, there is a disheartening level of antipathy towards a single community — a direct transference of attitudes towards a small exclusive cabal of politicians and businessmen who have behaved in a manner that expresses utter contempt for other communities.

This feeling is so strong that even if Kenya grew at 10 per cent per year, the politics will remain toxic so long as this poison continues to reside in the hearts of so many people.

This alienation of the ruling class from the majority of Kenyans is replicated among all communities, by the way.

In some regions, I found that MPs were afraid of their own people because of the anger on the ground as a result of broken promises and the corruption that has become brazen in the midst of harsh economic times.

Second, I was astonished by the extent to which a large section of Church leaders lost credibility because of the perception that they took sides during the elections.

Third, I am continually surprised by the belligerence of the youth, who tasted real power during the post-election violence.

Lastly, on the ground across Kenya, it is women who are holding society together under extremely difficult circumstances.

They are most clear in their opposition to violence.

As a woman told me one evening in Uasin Gishu: ‘We don’t like this thing democracy that causes our sons to be killed and our sons to turn into killers.’

What hope is there for the country then?

The coalition government has been helpful.

It has taught us that our leaders are a single avaricious tribe regardless of their ethnicity.

When it comes to corruption, their unity is impressive.