Campaigns for the August election are now in a full swing.
Various politicians have been crisscrossing the country to sell their agendas to the electorates.
They are putting all their might into campaigning.
Well, it's the right of every aspirant to campaign freely in any region as they need to get the public's attention.
However, they must prioritise peace as they move around the country, soliciting votes.
Since they have freedom of expression, they should be susceptible and watch their words.
It's their responsibility to avoid incitement and use of speech that can lead to violence and divisions amongst different communities.
In almost every society, politicians' utterances and actions greatly influence public reaction and are taken very seriously, thus, they should exercise restraints during public forums.
The ongoing campaigns will act as a reflection and litmus test regarding the direction our country will take during and after the election.
After the election, Kenyans will require access to various services, including education, healthcare, and activities that generate income, among other benefits.
This will only be attained if campaigns are conducted peacefully but not in a contradictory and acrimonious manner.
We want peaceful campaigns, and that will ignite peaceful elections.
Politicians are therefore obliged to conduct mature politics, which is devoid of chaos.
This is very easy and can be done if only our politicians will preach peace.
Kenya is a democratic country, hence we should prove that during the campaigns and after the election, we are a country that can be in charge of its destiny through the use of democracy.
It's also high time for our youths to keep off from being used by politicians to cause chaos in rallies.
They should know that elections come and go.
Kenyans should watch out and shun any politician who might try to propagate tribalism.
We should also understand that maintaining tranquillity and peace during campaigns is not police duty, but it is the responsibility of everyone.
Therefore, we should listen to all those who presented themselves to be elected and not examine them based on the language they speak or based on where they come from.
Student, Maasai Mara University
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
