With 43 days to Kenya’s general election, political campaigns are in top gear. The country’s National Assembly and the Senate held their final sessions not long ago. All politicians and political aspirants have fully committed their time to seek reelection and new elective seats.
Most countries suffer at the hands of poor leaders. It is so unfortunate that most of the said leaders are elected. Sometimes, you will sit down and wonder how a majority of voters elected a particular leader, but that’s the power of the majority. In the words of Kenyan lawyer Prof. PLO Lumumba, I quote, “Young people in Africa are beginning to ask searching questions. They are beginning to recognize that those who want to buy their votes don’t mean well for them. They are beginning to realize that there is enough money to change their lives if thieves are eliminated from the political arena.”
Photo: William Ruto (Facebook)
I call upon all voters to look at the high cost of living, skyrocketing prices of basic commodities, the bad roads in their ward, constituency or county, the paltry bursary funds that children receive in their localities while others receive scholarships, the unfulfilled promised given by their politicians and many more. Such considerations should guide you as a voter in making decisions on who you will vote for.
The moment you understand that your vote is as crucial as the most important thing in your life, your focus will not be shallow. Choosing your favourite political candidate based on tribal lines, under euphoria and mob psychology, advice from friends, and unverifiable information (most likely propaganda) is another name for bringing a country down.
In politics, there is no forgiveness without discipline. If a politician made a promise and never fulfilled it, don’t even think of giving such a person another chance. Another chance to be a liar is to tell him that I am stupid and can’t see where his lies are and that he now controls me.
Photo: Raila Odinga (Facebook)
If a politician has been involved in corruption scandals that have raised integrity questions, judge for yourself, but know that even if the politician wasn’t found guilty, the situation will likely be more disastrous if indeed, that particular politician looted public resources. Court cases on corruption may take a long time to conclude, but we all have a single duty to protect the country’s resources for the betterment of our lives and our children.
Don’t look at candidates based on their money, popularity, or influence. Look at what they are bringing to the table, their leadership character, ability to lead and moral fabric. In fact, let me put it this way; from your list, eliminate candidates who give people tokens. It is rarely genuine, and the truth is that it is never sustainable. Would you need someone’s advice on a politician who disappeared after the election and only resurfaces in villages and wards while seeking reelection? How can you sell your fortunes (good services, improved infrastructure and healthcare services, advanced bursaries, water supplies, etc), for a mere handout of KES 100, 200, 500, 1,000 or even 2,000? The answer is obvious for people who know what they need in life.
There will always be the best or better leader in any pool of political candidates. Choose wisely. Make bad choices and prepare for the worst. The future of the country is collectively in the hands of the voters but independently on you as an individual. If we all make good choices, Kenya will be a marvellous country.
Opinion piece by John Kamau, an Entrepreneur.
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