The Presidential Debate 2013

The historic debate that was eagerly awaited for finally happened yesterday, every Kenyan wanted to know what their favorite Presidential candidate will say. With heated campaigns full of accusations and criticism many expected the debate to be hot with arguments but it turned out to be somehow peaceful. The ICC issue had to be mentioned but it did not cause a lot of tension as expected because the candidates handled it with a lot of caution. At least it was good to avoid land issue and hope it does not come up in the next debate.

What many Kenyans hoped for and I believe was realized was to see the Presidential candidates hold a mature debate in a peaceful manner to quell fears that there is tension amongst them especially Hon. Raila Odinga and Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, that could cause problems in the country like in 2007/2008. It was good to hear Raila Odinga refer to Uhuru Kenyatta as his brother and it was very pleasant to see them shake hands and interact after the debate. This shows Kenyan's that they are friends and we do not need to hate each other because of them. It is always said Kenya is bigger than individuals and that is why we should not fight or hate because of a few individuals.

The most outstanding candidate who instantly became a celebrity is Mr. Mohamed Abduba Dida, the 39 year old former teacher and the youngest candidate. He made the show lively by his humorous nature and not mincing words when asking questions. The debate would have not been lively without him. However the organizers forgot about those who do not understand English. Otherwise many thanks to the media for organizing this debate and sponsors, I believe Kenyans are much relieved after this debate and look forward to the next one on 25^th February 2013 before elections. In the next one the message of peace by the candidates will be very vital because we need to get over with this elections peacefully and move on with our lives.

God bless Kenya.

Its the last month of campaign

We now have a month to elections, all presidential candidates have handed in their party nomination certificates and most have been cleared by IEBC. Other political candidates are also doing the same country wide, so after all clearance is done it will be time for the last leg of the campaigns. The few remaining days of this month Kenyans will be treated to political shows full of pomp and the whole country will be decorated with posters, banners, billboards, radio, tv adverts and any other means they can use to promote their popularity. Even boda boda cyclists will get jackets with messages and photos of various political leaders, others printing their messages on lesso, caps, umbrellas etc which I thinks is a cleaner way of advertising than posters being stuck on bridges, walls, polls and the rest.

It is competition time with money being dished out here and there, political lies and fake promises are very common at this time. Political goodies being offered, some stalled projects like rough road can be completed at this time, oh and not to forget this is the time they will visit all the religious houses for prayers. It will be a very busy month for our politicians, the time they will work overtime, spend sleepless time.

In the meantime we the other Kenyans should not be used by our politicians to hate each other because or our political views and tribe, what happened in 2007 should not be repeated. We all know who we want to vote for and why but should not insult or look down upon others because of tribe. No one applied to be born in a certain tribe, we all found ourselves where we are. Instead we should pray for peace in our country no matter who wins and pray for a peaceful transition.