Democracy is imperfect. William Ruto got around 51 percent of the votes cast in the 2022 presidential election while Raila Odinga got around 49 percent.
The IEBC and the Supreme Court declared that Ruto was legitimately elected president. Nevertheless, around half the country, Raila's supporters, were dissatisfied with the result.
Ruto is the duly elected president of Kenya but he must also accept that half the country did not vote for him, and he is president of those people as well.
Similarly, Raila needs to accept that Ruto is the legitimate president of Kenya, whatever his other grievances may be.
We are now in a dangerous situation following Monday's demo by Raila's supporters. Hardliners on both sides are calling for extreme action such as more arrests including that of Raila and calling in the ICC.
It is time to tone down the rhetoric. Both leaders must play their part. Raila must stop making impossible demands (Ruto giving up the presidency, bringing back subsidies, etc) while Ruto must accept that he is also president of those Kenyans demonstrating against the high cost of living.
Quote of the day: "Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier."
Roger Whittaker
The Kenyan-English singer was born on March 23, 1936
