As the country ushers in the window which will pave way for the most celebrated milestone worldwide, democratic election of leaders, it’s imperative for us to remember what keeps us going. Every nation in the world prides itself in one or two things, either in the political field, economic field among others. We can say the United States of America is happy with the fact that they are labelled a super power, Russia can be happy with the label of a ‘behind the scenes’ super power and China as an upcoming super power. Closer to home, African countries, despite the instability in some, are well known to be the basins and silos of resources. But behind all these big powers and monikers, the most common aspect that glues all of them together is unity and peace.
The first world countries have advanced not only because of technological innovations and economic masterminds but also because the administrations know how to create and cherish peace, and in turn, transmit it to citizens. In Africa, peace and unity have been elusive in some nations, but when established, growth has automatically been the result. Kenya witnessed clashes in the 2007/2008 post election violence that shattered the very fabric of the nation. Though the hotspot areas, as they are normally called, like Nyanza and Rif Valley provinces experienced more adverse effects, but it’s like the Kenyan blood trickled all over. Right about the time the global economic crisis hit the headlines, the country was already reeling from the effects of the violence. Peace was not only forgotten, but its effects too were nowhere to be seen. It has taken some time for us to be stable again, majorly because of the efforts to promote peace that is ongoing.
As this year’s elections knock on the door, we should open with caution, placing the labels of peace on our chest and stamping the peace notifications on our foreheads. We can’t afford to create an instability once again that may have lasting repercussions. It’s good to not that violence doesn’t just lead to the death of our comrades, but to the death of economy, industrialization, health sector, creates a crippled education sector and a more inward bitterness and animosity. How precious are the effects of peace, and how we need it during this election period, in order to realize our goals as a country. One Kenya, one nation.