The Iron Law burns hot in Kenya

The Iron law of international politics: legal obligations must yield to national interest, and that no state is immune from this.

The flood of congratulatory messages that were received by President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta shocked many, BUT not this writer.

 After the March 9th declaration of Mr. Kenyatta as victor of the presidential election, there was only what can be described as a trickle (at best!) of messages from the international community. Many interpreted this as the now infamous ' Carson's consequences'. Johnnie Carson, who leads the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs alluded to the fact that electing ICC suspects, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto would have consequences on Kenya's diplomacy and standing in the International community. The statement was made pursuant to an obligation to shun ICC suspects.

However, the 'Iron Law' has struck firm and hard in the Kenyan situation.The ruling at the Supreme court in Nairobi declaring the elections as having been free and fair led to an opening of the floodgates of congratulatory messages from International Community which are traditionally considered to be forms of 'recognition' of the new government. International politics and the pursuit of National interests always take precedence, even over a legal obligation. The proof is in the pudding. Legal obligations and even moral stands are sometimes contrary to National interests and in this cases the 'Iron Law' provides that these must take a back seat. Due to Kenya's strategic and Geo-political role in the region, many countries that were reluctant to deal with the Uhuru and Ruto duo have their hands tied. In order to achieve some parts of their National interests, relations with Kenya have to maintained.

Some have argued that the Kenya's diplomatic relations may be limited to only 'essential' contact. I believe this notion to be a faulty. Kenya's foreign relations will not be limited by the ICC question. As always, in international relations, the only limit is the achievement of National interests. This means that the diplomatic status quo remains. Any country that can progress its national interests by dealing with Kenya will continue to do so. Any country that has continually invested in Kenya will continue to do so.

This 'Iron Law' however does not give Uhuru Kenyatta a free pass. His government will have to put in some extra effort in their Foreign Ministry. This Ministry is the face of Kenya globally and in order to mend any fences and give the necessary assurances to the international community, the Ministry will have to work just a bit harder. This is why the selection of the Foreign Minister will be key. Uhuru must be careful to choose one who he can rely on to consolidate Kenya's international standing. The appointee must be one whose integrity and standing are unquestioned internationally.

As we draw closer to the inauguration and subsequent appointment of cabinet secretaries, this writer will continue follow these events closely from the attache's desk.