As a great believer in democracy, I am certain the elections in Kenya will be free and fair.
A free and fair election in Kenya means a whole world for Africa. This is due to the strategic role the country plays not only in the Horn of Africa but the continent as a whole. Aside, peace in any society is the greatest catalyst to economic growth. No factor of production can roll in the absence of peace.
Africa has had notable sons and daughters over time. In the long list since independence, notable names are long gone such as Kwame Nkurumah, Nelson Mandela, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, Patrice Lumumba and Kenneth Kaunda, who left indelible marks in the continent. Exit the stage for the first generation of Pan-Africanism, we get born present day icons and top among the notables is Raila Odinga.
Africa’s growth potential lies in the proper utilisation of its resources. While it may sound as an obvious argument that for Africa to cross to its big transformation by 2063 through its blueprint ‘Africa Agenda 2063’, every building block to Africa reaping its demographic dividend starts with each nation, each individual in a general election voting Stalin or a Mandela. It is important to appreciate each role every nation will play towards the continent’s 2063 dream by the choices that are made using the strength of a ballot.
Specifically, elections that mark the end of a regime, must be taken seriously to avoid any single mistake. A single election mistake in one nation, is one too many for Africa especially as the continent catalyses the implementation and delivery of a transformational and an economic growth pattern for the continent.
A keen political leadership must address the rapid urban population growth, poverty and youthful population in their countries for the next two decades since these are akin to serious challenges moving into the future.
Looking clearly into Raila’s candidature and judging from history, getting him to the presidency will be a breather to the quest for democracy and its proponents in Africa.
As a young fabulous and critical thinker, Raila sprung into limelight and active politics in the 1970s and he has been in the trenches long enough fighting for reforms. His voice and quest for democracy not only in Kenya but in Africa can only be rivaled by the Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid crusade in South Africa. If anything, Africa is expectant of a Nelson Mandela Moment on August 9 in Kenya.
Regardless of anything else, Raila is not a political leader anyone would be worried of what he will do, if he ascends to power. When some leaders, especially in Africa get to power, they make decisions that are completely obtuse to the lives of the millions of citizens in their nations. That leader cannot be Raila.
A Raila Presidency, in my opinion and from history of his political manuevers is a comforting thought for Africa. He and his running mate, Martha Karua, are uniquely qualified to guide millions to economic freedom, happiness and peace based on their economic interests for Kenya and their moral values.
Understanding the historical moment of Africa and submitting to it will be important in the next phase to look into as it is key to focusing on the challenges the continent faces and solving them. We must clearly focus on a powerful economic re-organisation of Africa and keep the promise of a great continent not only for ourselves but our children and generations to come.
The world has become so interconnected and interdependent such that, public and political leadership in one nation is more than just leading that country. ‘Wicked’ political problems in one nation cut across boundaries. Historically, Stalin and Hitler moments sting the world hard. It is up to Kenya and Kenyans to choose a Mandela or a Stalin moment on Tuesday. If Kenya wins, Africa will reap.
Emmanuel Kabila is the son of the late Laurent-Desire Kabila, former President of DRC
@emmanuelmkabila
