It’s been an eventful few days, occasioned with many political campaigns across the country. What made it more interesting, however, was the presidential debate that drew the attention of Kenyans from all over the country and ushered in the new week. Just to recap it briefly, it was well known that vital issues would be addressed during both the Presidential and running mates’ debate, and even though President Uhuru Kenyatta missed the Presidential face off, it still elicited many discussions. NASA Presidential candidate Raila Odinga presented his manifesto in what turned out to be a platform for him. Different theories can be brandished around explaining President Uhuru Kenyatta’s absence, but with that all behind us now, we should look ahead to the few remaining campaigning days and enforcing peace.
With the August polls already at the door, Kenyans should now focus on peace, unity as politicians focus on their campaigns. Moreover, we should also be on the front line advocating for free, fair and credible elections. This will greatly contribute to a peaceful elections period given that no disturbances will be experienced when both sides, together with IEBC, follow and pursue transparency.
At the moment, some of the leaders we want to elect are the ones preaching peace, and even though it’s a great initiative from the aspirants, the bulk of the responsibility to stick to peace lies with the electorate, not even IEBC.
We should put behind the issues and events that have already unfolded, including pestering IEBC at every turn and focus on fostering peace ahead of the general elections. It has been said time and time again, the polls will come and pass, but Kenya will remain, therefore, let’s have a good and lasting memory of the elections, one that was dominated by free, fair and credible elections and subsequently, peace