One day, it occurred to the members of an institution that they were doing all the work and the Belly was having all the food. After a meeting, the Belly consented to take its proper share of the work.
So for a day or two, the hands refused to take the food, the mouth refused to receive it, and the teeth had no work to do. But what followed was that they could all not function because the entire body was deprived.
Today marks a new era for Kenya as William Ruto is sworn in as Kenya’s fifth President. This story is a good reminder that the work for a better nation has just started and we must all must work together for the prosperity of this country, especially after the lengthy election period we have had.
In all honesty, our nation has been headed in the wrong direction, especially for the last couple of years. Unemployment is high and the cost of living has become unbearable and life is difficult for almost everyone.
Kenya has gone through tumultuous times with the pandemic and the recovery from it has not been easy. We have also seen a lot mishaps in government aided by corruption, which is something the new administration must work on to ensure Kenyans get value for their money.
Kenyans are united in welcoming the new administration as has been through the elections and the period that followed. When the rest of the world thought that Kenya would fall into chaos, Kenyans moved on from the elections awaiting the new administration.
The nation will be waiting with bated breath to see the inauguration of the fifth president and his inaugural speech, which will definitely mark the tone of his administration going forward. By the end of it, we will all know what Ruto’s priorities for the country are as he takes the reigns of power.
Ruto has the chance to undo the mistakes of the Jubilee administration that have seen the country suffer a lot due to the slow down in the economy. He has a chance to ensure all the projects that stalled in the second term of the Jubilee administration are revived.
In fact, Ruto has continuously said the government failed to deliver because it was distracted by the handshake. This is his opportunity to prove this, having been in government for the last nine years as the deputy president.
We all have to assume that due to this role, Ruto actually knows what is ailing the government and its performance and he has the solutions needed.
The first 100 days will be very critical for his administration and it is, therefore, important that he focuses on all the key areas. Of critical importance is to ensure the economy regains its life and this should actually start with the settling of all pending bills.
This move will ensure there is more money circulating in the economy, which will help ease the cost of living. Additionally, Ruto needs to focus on bringing the cost of unga and fuel down to also accelerate the economic recovery.
Today marks the pressing of the reset button for our nation. We have the chance to start over, with leaders eager to put the needs of our Nation first, and discard the mistakes of the previous administration.
All leaders must work together with Ruto to ensure the country meets its goals for its citizens. Like the body, all organs - Parliament, County Governments, County Assemblies and the Executive must work with a common goal.
Each one of us must play our part remembering that Kenyans share the same aspirations of making it in this country and ensuring they have the life that they deserve. We are no longer pulling for our different political sides and should focus on building the country.
To the new president, Kenyans have a lot of faith in you especially given your experience in government as well as your youthful nature. You must carry this country together and ensure that we all live in a country where we no longer struggle to live.
The writer is a political and communications consultant. @MachelWaikenda
