Quote:Interestingly enough I was in Kampala during that period of time and my discussions with my designated cab guy on numerous topics including the ethnic dimensions of the election and he told me ethnicity has never been an issue. And yes statements such as
The above bolded part is so bloody important. I always tell people that Kenyans are the worst culprits when it comes to ethnic-oriented voting.
It is true that ethnic considerations also play a part in elections in other countries. In fact many Kenyans are quick to justify their ethnic oriented voting by pointing to other countries. But Kenya has taken ethnic voting to ridiculous levels. So much so that if a person is looting the treasury, they must still be defended if they happen to be from your ethnic group.
As you pointed out, a person's ethnicity is not a key factor in Ugandan elections. The Buganda are the most populous ethnic group yet I am not aware of them ever electing a Buganda president. I am not even sure a Buganda person has come close to being elected.
Same in Nigeria. The Hausa are the most populous group. Yet no Hausa has ever run for election much less be elected. You do not hear Hausa's agitating to have a Hausa president.
Most Naija presidents have been from small ethnic groups including the two most recent. Some like Murtala Mohamed were from ethnic groups that are so small as to be equivalent to the rendille or Kuria. Murtala , a general, was selcted by a panel of other senior army officers.
And in Tanzania, ethnicity is a non-issue in
elections.
When the foreign media such as BBC reports on Kenya elections, all they talk about is which ethnic group supports whom. It reflects very poorly om Kenya.
Now Ruto and his ilk wants to go and poison the neighbour's well. Shameful behaviour.