01/05/2024
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐱 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
In Kenya, a nation rich in cultural diversity, there exists a remarkable phenomenon: a deep-seated trust among its people transcending tribal lines. It's a trust that manifests itself daily, from a Luo mechanic diligently servicing the car of a Kikuyu client to a Luhya househelp caring for a Luo family's needs. This trust is a testament to the belief that excellence knows no tribe – that merit and skill are the only currencies that matter in the marketplace of services.
Yet, come election time, this ethos seems to vanish like a mirage in the desert. The discernment exercised in choosing a reliable mechanic or a proficient accountant is replaced by a perplexing embrace of incompetence and corruption. The very qualities abhorred in personal dealings suddenly become tolerable, even desirable, in political candidates.
The contrast is stark and unsettling. How can a people so discerning in their daily interactions abandon their principles when it matters most? Why is the scrutiny applied to hiring a househelp not extended to electing leaders who will shape the nation's future? These questions linger, begging for introspection and action.
Amidst this paradox, there lies a profound truth: the power to effect change rests in the hands of the electorate. The flooding in Dubai serves as a poignant reminder that crises can be managed swiftly and effectively with competent governance. Yet, in Kenya, the recurring flood of poor governance persists, leaving devastation in its wake.
It's a call to arms, a rallying cry for Kenyans to reclaim their agency and demand accountability from those vying for public office. The ballot box is not merely a tool of democracy but a weapon against ineptitude and corruption. It's a solemn duty to uphold the standards of excellence that permeate everyday life and apply them to the highest offices of the land.
In the battle against poor governance, the battlefield is not the streets but the ballot. It's a battle fought not with fists but with informed choices and unwavering resolve. As Kenyans, we must heed the lessons of our daily interactions and apply them to the political arena, for it is there that the fate of our nation is truly decided.
