2012 Race will Favor those in Support of the New Constitution.

2011 will be the year in which we will start to experience institutional as well as political changes in the country.

Local institutional strength is expected to improve with the last year's passage and subsequent ratification of the new constitution.

Among other things, the new constitution establishes para-institutions—beyond a traditional judiciary and legislature—that regulate what the executive in general can and cannot do. These new para-institutions demarcate 'executive boundaries' and raise the flag when it oversteps the mark. 

Judiciary Service Commission, The Salaries and Remuneration Commission, National Land Commission, and Commission for the Implementation [of the Constitution] are but a few of those para-institutions that are already playing a pivotal role as the country transitions from the old constitution to a new era.

However, transitioning from the way we used to do things under the tutelage of the old constitution to an era of utmost political regulation and accountability will not come on a silver platter. Kalonzo Musyoka, for instance, came out saying sometime in the past week something to the effect that what the president says cannot be challenged. For the VP, presidency is beyond reproach and is thereby indispensable. He is wrong.

To claim that the VP and like-minded politicians are still living in retro Moi days is an understatement. Gone are the days when we colored the president with gazillion titles ranging from Mutukufu to Baba wa Taifa. Gone are also the days when the president had too much discretion that he could buy votes and favor through prejudiced allocation of national resources.

I therefore believe 2012 elections will favor men and women who will have obstinately adhered to the letter and spirit of the new constitution; those who will have demonstrated their desire to let the law gain traction without adulteration. And those who will be considered obstructive of the new law will be locked out by the electorate. 2012 race will be a race on the furtherance of the new Constitution.