In three months, Kenya will hold an election, the third under the 2010 Constitution. The August election signifies the transition to the next government as President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to retire.
There is no doubt that the country has been experiencing high voltage political campaigns. Undoubtedly, the call for peaceful campaigns has repeatedly been directed to the leading presidential candidates leaving out candidates running for county and parliamentary positions.
We are cognisant of our past, and especially the profound effects of the violent aftermath of the 2007 general election. A peaceful election will be a win for all Kenyans. The majority of Kenyans want a peaceful country. Kenyans should take note that numerous political promises mean nothing in the absence of a peaceful environment.
Economists have reminded us often that most investors fold their hands whenever Kenya heads to an election. This has a negative ripple effect. The chaos and violence that characterised the recent political party nominations are highly regrettable. In the absence of real commitment to a peaceful election, we may witness a repeat. The general public should appreciate that peace is paramount and we all must protect peaceful co-existence.
Perhaps one of Uhuru’s legacy should be to guide the nation toward a peaceful election and a smooth transition. The Constitution obligates the President to foster national unity. How he will juggle this duty in the wake of heightened political engagements puts his conduct under the spotlight. The differences that have played out between Deputy President William Ruto and President Kenyatta do not paint a good picture.
The IEBC should strictly enforce the election law and instil confidence in Kenyans that the polls will be credible and verifiable. The best way to guarantee peaceful elections is to remain wedded to the relevant law. We do not want a repeat of 2017, when the presidential election results were nullified by the Supreme Court.
A repeat election is not only expensive but also divisive. Whichever the outcome of the election, Kenyans want to wake up the following day and report to work. In a constitutional democracy like ours, we hope that the election will be fair, transparent and credible at all levels of political competition. Any departure from free, fair, transparent elections will be a recipe for chaos.
Finally, the National Cohesion and Integrated Commission should be decisive and balanced in dealing with hate speech. Kenyans should be vigilant to defend their hard-earned democratic rights. Eligible voters should prepare to vote and secure the country by choosing the right leaders.
To the youth, you must choose not to be used as political tools of violence against each other or as agents of planting hatred through social media platforms. In the words of those who love their countries, a nation is more important than an individual. We should choose to be goodwill ambassadors and fuel a message of hope and peace as we head to the polls.
Public policy and legal analyst
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