The Elephant In The Room

Time to discuss the elephant in the room; the heated topic, the looming questions revolving around the presidential elections in Kenya (that are occurring today!) It's a topic I didn't really want to touch with a ten foot pole,but it warrants attention. With that, I will only write this from a neutral perspective; one of someone with no political biases, no cultural influences, and most importantly no personal interests concerning the outcome. My sole, true interest is that Kenya elects the president they deserve, the person who will lead this country into a united future and that all is done peacefully.

To provide some background, the 2007/2008 presidential elections ended with widespread violence across the nation, resulting in 1,100 people killed and over 600,000 citizens displaced. More importantly, it fractured the country even further with tribalism.

2007/2008 post election violence. Never to be repeated again.

You may ask, what is tribalism? In brief, there are 42 individual tribes residing within Kenya and between some of the larger tribes, there have been longstanding disputes over land, resources, and power. These tribal roots exist passionately within communities and is, honestly, the driving force behind voters' decisions and how the campaign has been conducted. I am not offering any opinion on whether or not these aspects should influence the political sector of Kenya; I am just stating its existence.

All things considered, the two primary candidates in the running (although there are a total of 8) are: Uhuru Kenyatta of the Kikuyu tribe and Raila Odinga of the Luo tribe. These two have extensive ties into the political scene, with family holding various positions of power over varying amount of time throughout Kenya's political history. In short (and with my minimal knowledge), these candidates are of opposing parties and more importantly, of rival tribes.

Odinga

Kenyatta

It becomes clear of how and why these pending elections are heated, a topic for much debate, and pose serious question on what is next for Kenya's immediate security and future success.

The way the campaigns began however, with a fully inclusive presidential candidate debate, was very positive and an informative venue for the citizens to learn of each politician in a fair event (albeit it was in a very American style haha). Also, I had just learned that this is the first election that district/ provincial governors will be elected, an excellent way for each district (of varying tribal backgrounds) to be equally represented in the republic.

Well, I hoped this helped shed some light onto the much anticipated and discussed Kenyan elections. Again, my only hope, regardless of who takes office, is that these elections proceed peacefully...which so far, in Karungu, they are!