Weeks after the curtains fell on the hotly contested student presidential election that captivated thousands of Kenyans online, rivals at Tenri Schools in Embu have agreed to put aside their differences and work together for the benefit of the student fraternity and the institution.
Former presidential candidates Allan Njue, Kingsley Munene and Precious Nevina have closed ranks and pledged to support eventual winner Sally Mwende, signalling the end of a leadership contest that evolved into one of Kenya's most talked-about student leadership contests in recent history.
The only notable absentee from the reconciliation was Allan's chief campaigner, Brydon Brian, whose now-famous "Alo Alo" slogan became the defining catchphrase of the election and earned him a loyal online following.
Announcing the truce, Allan said the time had come to prioritise the interests of learners over political rivalry.
"After a sober consultation, we have agreed that the school is bigger than all of us. I have met Nevina, I have met Kingsley and I have met the president, Sally. We have agreed on a working framework. Even if my brother Brydon doesn't agree, he will soon give in."
Nevina said the election was over and it was time to channel energy towards serving students rather than prolonging political divisions.
"A good dancer knows when to exit the stage. Rather than investing our energy in opposing the government, we promise to work together and ensure that Tenri inawork."
Kingsley, who unsuccessfully sought a second term after finishing third in the race, echoed the same sentiments.
"We are not here to ruin the society, we are here to make a positive impact, bora kila mtu apate nafasi."
Sally welcomed her former opponents into what she described as a united administration, saying she was ready to embrace the ideas they had championed during the campaigns.
"When people come together, great things happen. I have a big heart and a big room to accommodate these honourables and borrow their manifesto and their political visions. Let's be ideology-led and promote peace, love and unity. Welcome home, folks."
The election had attracted nationwide attention after student candidates mounted energetic campaigns that spilled onto social media, where thousands of Kenyans openly declared support for their preferred candidates.
Allan's Team Alo Alo and Sally's Team Shaa Shaa dominated online conversations through witty campaign messaging and friendly political banter that many likened to Kenya's national election campaigns.
The election itself mirrored a national poll, complete with IEBC supervision, polling agents and observers to guarantee transparency.
Although the school also provided an online voting platform for members of the public following the campaigns, only ballots cast by Tenri students counted towards the final outcome.
Sally was eventually declared the winner after garnering 230 votes, defeating Allan, who received 189 votes.
Incumbent Kingsley Munene finished third with 109 votes, while Precious Nevina of Team Ground Ndo Kusema garnered 39 votes.
The latest show of unity now marks the final chapter of an election that many praised for teaching students practical lessons on democracy, peaceful competition and leadership.
The reconciliation also comes at a time when Kenya is steadily building towards the 2027 General Election, which political observers expect to be fiercely contested, making the students' willingness to embrace their opponents after a bruising campaign a timely lesson in democratic maturity.
As expected, news of the political truce reignited online debate, with many commenters joking that they were still waiting for Brydon to endorse the agreement.
"We are waiting for Mr Alo Alo to give us direction," one social media user wrote.
Others drew parallels with Kenya's often-repeated post-election political settlements.
"Wah, hii si ni handshake," quipped one commenter. Another added: "In the footsteps of Raila Amolo Odinga, the handshake spirit lives on."
Some supporters of Allan's camp joked that negotiations were incomplete.
"Team Allan tupewe Prime Minister ndio tukubali handshake," one wrote.
Another simply said: "Waiting for Alo Alo response on this."
Beyond the humour, many Kenyans applauded the maturity displayed by the student leaders, noting that they had managed to capture the country's attention while demonstrating values that many adult politicians often struggle to uphold.
"Incredible to imagine you held the attention of the whole nation for weeks on end. We wish you all the best," one admirer commented.
