The question now is what next?
First, we must, as a nation, accord President-elect William Ruto the respect and support he deserves as our next president. It will not be easy for many to do so, and that is understandable. However, we only have one president at a time and this time, Ruto it is.
Second, we must have a strong opposition to check the government in consistence with democratic ideals. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga led in providing a strong and healthy opposition to the first President, Jomo Kenyatta. His son, Raila Odinga, took the reigns from him and has done a fantastic job.
I don’t know what his plans are henceforth but I believe I speak for millions to say he should continue in providing leadership for the opposition as he always has.
It’s unfortunate he has not crossed the bridge and sworn in as president much as he has arguably won the presidency in the past but we leave that to God.
One thing even his worst enemies would agree is the fact Raila is the most unfortunate man in political history given his victories and defeats, followed only be less than one or two others.
No one else has had this much misfortune politically.
The consensus among many of his supporters is this has to be his last bid, but that’s not to say he would bot take a stab at it in 2027.
The prevailing wisdom is that wouldn’t be wise in principle because of voter fatigue, which was a factor in his performance this time around.
Third, we must pray for Ruto to do the right thing for the country as he takes the realm of power.
I said this before but it’s worth repeating
In politics, there is time for battle, and then there is time to make peace, even with the most ardent enemies.
This is the time for Ruto to do just that — draw deep and draw in even the most real or imagined enemies for the sake of country.
It is not time to avenge, whether by choice or by accident.
This is what marks and distinguishes a leader from the rest, and especially in a country that is as divided almost right down the middle as we are.
We are no exception in that regard as anyone who follows global politics knows.
Leading among divided countries is none other than the US, whose centuries old democratic ideals are the model for modern democracies, pattered after the country they bolted from, the UK, itself and its democratic ideals being preceded by the Greeks, the mothers of democracy itself.
We are prayerful and optimistic now that the 2022 election journey has ended, Ruto will adhere to the wisdom he has learned or adopted as the man of faith he has outwardly shown he is—and for which he must be given the benefit of doubt, to lead this country to greater peace and prosperity.
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