Election campaigns are a huge part of democracy, but they’re commonly not very democratic. Normally, a candidate and their campaign staff decide the campaign platforms and practices. Then, if they win, they convey that top down approach into government. The active and meaningful participation of citizens in public affairs is a positive strategic plan to great development in our country.
In Kenya’s democratic union, the most important challenges are ethnicity and identity politics. The people have developed this mindset that you vote for leaders you share an ethnic group with rather than a leader with a clear vision, integrity, honesty, humility, transparency and a clear focus.
Last month Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta endorsed Azimio la Umoja party leader Raila Odinga as the fifth Kenyan president for the August 2022 elections.
DP Ruto seems to think otherwise, says that President Uhuru is forcing Raila on Kenyans and he should let Kenyans choose their own candidate. Dp Ruto had hoped that Uhuru would bid him.
“The people who are forcing Raila on Kenyans, are they backing a different person or the same man we have known over the years?” he said. Dp Ruto also added that Raila has been known for rejecting election results and that he is a cause of previous election violence.
“I don’t think I have wronged anyone by settling on a particular candidate. My choice doesn’t mean other candidates are my enemies,” Kenyatta said. The president also asked leaders to commit to a peaceful transfer of power after the election.
Azimio leader Raila has been welcoming leaders from different regions across the country who are joining the Azimio la Umoja Movement.
Voting is one important way that we can participate in our democracy. Besides voting for officials, we also vote on issues. Voters may want to make changes to their community, such as building bigger schools or adding new roads.
Let us all remember to vote for leaders who will represent us and our ideas, and leaders that support the citizen’s interests as we approach election’s month.