A family of Mice has been living in fear because of a Cat. One day they come together to discuss possible ideas to defeat the Cat. After much discussion, one young Mouse gets up to suggest an idea.
He suggests they put a bell around the Cat’s neck, so they can hear it when it approaches. All the other Mice agree, apart from one wise, old Mouse. The old Mouse agrees with the plan in theory, but suggests, “Who will put the bell on the Cat?”
Linet Chepkorir, 25, was ignored as a nonstarter, and barely had any money to print posters or campaign effectively. Today, she is the proud holder of the UDA Bomet nomination certificate, trouncing more well-known and better financed candidates.
In another upset, a former charcoal dealer, who was elected in 2017 as Sirikiwa MCA beat National Assembly Deputy Speaker Moses Cheboi for Kuresoi North MP.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara was caught flat-footed by former area legislator John Kihagi, who now makes a comeback to the political scene. Keiyo North MP James Murgor narrowly lost the ticket to Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen’s aide Adams Kipsanai.
The surprises in UDA nominations were many and shocked most people as Kenyans made a decision on whom to elect. Given that nominations are the real election in some of these areas, we can easily conclude that Kenyans are making a statement.
It is becoming obvious that Kenyans are ready for change, even when you look at how small parties have become attractive to candidates who are not well known. At the August elections, we will see a different crop of leaders emerge in a manner that is set to push the country into the future.
What is evident is that Kenyans are seeking change and they are making it through the ballot. This has happened previously in what has ended up showing bigwigs that they need to give way for newbies and that Kenyans are tired of their empty promises.
We must also not forget to look at the turnout in the nominations by UDA. While there cannot be clear data to compare, the number of aspirants in the polls plus the number of those who voted is a cleat indication on what to expect in August.
By looking at how many people showed up for the nominations, we can actually tell this election will be highly contested. Candidates in other parties must look at this data critically, if they think they actually have a chance to win the elections.
Its becoming harder and harder for Kenyans to put money in their pockets and food on the table. Times are tough for ordinary Kenyans and leaders have lost the trust of mwananchi.
The results from the nominations reflect this and Kenyans are ready to give a new crop of leaders a chance to lead the country. Elected leaders have failed to use the last four years to safeguard Kenyans and it is for this reason unknown people in their locality are felling them.
Kenyans are taking elections seriously and know that this is where change will come from. They are are giving their votes to those who actually can do the work. There are a lot of people who work for their localities but are never recognised because they do not have the money or the family name to back their work.
Kenyans are looking for leaders who will in their slightest way change their lives for the better. Most big parties will actually be shocked in August as Kenyans shun their candidates for the individuals who they believe can work for them.
For those in politics not watching closely and assuming that they can survive the wave of change, they better watch out and align with the aspirations of Kenyans because we have seen it in the nominations.
As we head to the elections, politicians must take more time to listen to the voters and understand their needs or end up being pushed out. It is obvious that Kenyans want a new crop of leaders who will ensure they get what they need.
The writer is a political and communications consultant. @MachelWaikenda
