On March 24th Kenyans will be polling. There is
much change in this year’s elections that have instilled hope in people, both
locally and abroad. These polls have: a new electoral body; voter registration technology;
under a new constitution and a ‘new political ground’ i.e. politicians
challenge one another on policies/ ideology and not tribal background or
backing. The latter, however,
Politicians claim this year’s elections determining factor
is ideologies that each aspirant presents to the electorates. I tend to raise
some questions on this. Nevertheless, I
stand correction, but majority of the presidential aspirants have been part of
the previous governments at one point in time. In fact, some have never been in
the opposite after the formation of government, they just make sure they are
part of the government through whichever means. All except Mr. Uhuru, were part
of the government formed after 2002 elections. He later became one of them in
the current one. However, there has been no improvement on the living standard
of the common ‘mwananchi’ (citizen).
Citizens have had no a sigh of relief despite them steering the
country’s driving wheel. Every general election has these clichés: improving
the health sector, quality education for every child, employment to the youth,
empowering women etc. Does this same pack of politicians have what it takes to
bring changes?
Despite the new taste 2013 polls bring to voters- electing
the top two leaders as one package, the question is what really binds these
packages we see under coalitions? I hope your answer is not the same as what
the coalitions make us believe. That is they share same ideologies or policies-
they are on the same wave length in regard to leading Kenya to greater heights.
This is a white lie!! The desire to be part of the government and thus get a
coalition partner with numbers is the sole reason for teaming up in coalitions.
A quick look into the coalitions: Uhuru and Ruto were in different camps in
2002 and 2007 elections. This clear indication of how out of phase their
political ideologies wavelengths are. Kalonzo and Odinga have been parallel
since the 24 year Moi era. It was not until 2002 when Kalonzo jumped into the
floating Narc coalition boat after KANU capsized that the two teamed together.
They tried to link up in 2007 but had a bitter ending. Mudavadi and Wamalwa
were ideologically parallel in 2007 but now they are on phase. The Peter Kenneth- Tuju coalition history is of friendship rather than
politics. Do they pass the bar? PK is above par in track record as an MP. Well, it is
very difficult to differentiate what policies/ ideologies each Kenyan
politician stands for. At times it is ridiculous; Uhuru and Kibaki were locking
horns in 2002 with Raila Odinga on Kibaki’s side. However, in 2007, Kibaki and
Raila were now political foes with Uhuru backing Kibaki!This same ideology or
rather like-minded claim is just crap to blind Kenyan voter!
Peace should be observed before, during and after elections.
In addition, a peaceful election will be much better once one makes a wise
choice too. This will ensure a good
governance hence reduced industrial strikes, youths who are engaged on
development projects (thus keeping at bay from uncouth acts like theft or
violence), a healthy and educated nation. To achieve all these, voters should welcome
every aspirant peacefully, lend them an ear and evaluate what they promise by
their track records. Allowing aspirants to your areas without victimizing them
will give room for a good range of voting choices. The politics of being
mind-fixed to a party or a politician are out of date.
Vote Kenya, vote peace!
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