Enough with the hypocrisy! #Elections2013

Wednesday night: 2143h

Barely 48 hours after Kenyans cast their votes in one of the most historic elections, the final results are still yet to be announced. This particular elections are unique in the sense that they are the first to be carried out since the new constitution was voted in through a referendum in the year 2010. Just a little backgrounder to what I have to say next.

The previous decades have been characterized by a large class of politicians who've engrained a certain culture in the leadership of this country and poisoned the minds of people. We have had a vast majority who engulfed this country into pools of scandals, corruption, greed, nepotism and tribalism, whereas a select few have taken bold and courageous steps to deliver this beautiful land from the rungs of the mentioned vices.

Nevertheless, it seems that we hardly ever seem to learn. In the past, Kenyans would always complain that the country lacked visionary leaders and embodiments of the biblical Joshua to lead us into the promised land. However, when they did vie for presidency, what excuses did we come up with? It's not their time, they aren't seasoned enough...blah blah blah. Hypocrisy I tell you! Truth be told, I have great respect for certain people who choose to go against the status quo and attempt to change the face of this nation's leadership:
Enter Martha Karua. A tough lady, who sticks firm to her word and had no room for impunity in her heart and in the prospective government that she would form. Then came Peter Kenneth. His track record spoke volumes and his basis for running for presidency banked on his vision to tackle issues affecting this nation, as opposed to mere ethnic claims. And there are countless others, but I'll only mention these two for now. But what have we demonstrated so far? We aren't ready for visionaries. Simple!

Secondly, another burning issue in my heart is the nature of folks on social media. Popularly known as #KOT(Kenyans On Twitter). We discuss issues, talk of a Kenya we want and preach peace like there's no tomorrow. But what do we do come election day? We vote in the same ol' peeps. I mean, if the results given so far are anything to go by. As I write this, I am seething with rage and feeling sorry for ourselves and all those who did not have an opportunity to vote, since they are under our mercy. Seriously, when you vote in someone who dismissed medical officers ruthlessly when they were simply voicing their concerns, do you expect positive change? The same person that could not handle himself during a mere television interview when ambushed by "difficult" questions? A clear lack of accountability on his part!

All the same, all is not lost as some seem to have seen the light. In my home county for instance, an Asian was voted in as Member of Parliament as opposed to someone from that particular community. Word on the ground is that the outgoing MP was arrogant albeit a hard worker. Talk about a revolution! It is evident that change cannot take place overnight but great strides toward this reality must be made.

One more thing, Kenyans. Please! Let the IEBC do their job. You may think that it's an easy thing for me to say but I know firsthand how it feels to handle a general election. Having had a family member who worked as a Returning Officer in the previous election (Gachoka constituency-for the sake of credibility), I can tell you for sure that the job is tedious. From irate contestants, to security challenges amidst other obstacles, it is not a job for the faint-hearted. How much more at the managerial level? Before we start to criticize and say all sorts of nothings on our Facebook and Twitter pages, let us first understand the dynamics of the process and the arising cases. And whatever religion you ascribe to, remember all IEBC officials in your prayers, as well as anyone else involved in these elections. They may be taking quite a while to be released, but remember the Kiswahili adage, "Haraka haraka haina baraka."

And if you or your party/candidate does not win, accept defeat in all humility and focus on building a better Kenya. Period.

Meanwhile, as we preach peace on cyberspace, let us be realistic and do the same to those with no access to it.

Have a peaceful week, won't you?