Year of decision

The Standard On Sunday Team

Sunday marks the beginning of a decisive year for Kenya. The country enters the New Year optimistic that it will be a turning point in all spheres of nationhood.

After the bloody ructions of 2008 that brought the country on the brink of collapse, Kenyans have recovered significantly to register resounding successes in the economy, politics, inter-ethnic

In 2012, these positives will come under serious scrutiny as we head into the elections that are critical on two ways. It is the first after the disputed 2007 presidential polls that triggered violence and escalated ethnic hatred to murderous levels. They will also be the first elections under the new Constitution and the most complex ever. More importantly, the country will elect a new president, which is why the nation’s attention is trained on the aspirants who have declared interest on the highest office on the land.

In spite of such rare resilience on continent forever in a state of turmoil, greater challenges still lie ahead, which is why 2012 is regarded as a defining moment in the country’s history that has been replete with false-starts. The greatest challenge is the expected transition from the Kibaki presidency to the next.

The country heads into the polls when Constitution implementation is in progress, amid fears there are forces determined to derail the process. And to capture the import of this year’s General Election, leaders and analysts on Saturday emphasised the need for Kenya to seize the opportunity and move on to peace, stability and prosperity.

In his speech to the nation that was aired live by national broadcaster KBC on Saturday afternoon, President Kibaki said 2012 is a transition year.

Talking about his exit from power, the Head of State said: "The coming year will also see a transition in national leadership. After two terms as your President, I will be happy to oversee a smooth transition to the new leadership that you the people, will vote into office."

He further said: "Elections will come and go but the country remains. Let us therefore safeguard our nation’s peace, stability and progress, realising that Kenya is bigger than any single individual."

Prime Minister Raila Odinga challenged Kenyans to embrace radical change in the conduct of politics and put an end to the cycle of violence that has come with elections after every five years since 1991. "Elections must be seen as civilised contests, not wars. There will always be Kenya after elections," Raila said.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka reminded Kenyans that their strengths and weaknesses would be tested again during the polls. Said Kalonzo: "It will be a defining moment for us to shape our destiny by embracing restraint, sobriety, love, and peace throughout the electioneering period."

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said: "Let’s use the lessons to prepare for the challenges and possibilities of 2012. It’s an election year and I urge Kenyans to listen to those who seek elective seats and make their choices peacefully." "We must put the ghosts of 2007/8 behind us. On the economic front, 2011 has been a challenging year. But the signs that this will ease are evident." Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi appealed to Kenyans to make electoral choices that will ensure stability.

The Executive Director of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) Ndung’u Wainaina the country will need progressive politicians who are focused on issues of priority to the nation’s development and its commitment to reforms.

"The Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) needs to put in place the necessary mechanisms for this year’s elections to make them free, credible and democratic and ensure that political parties, candidates and all those responsible for conducting elections uphold and respect the Constitution and adhere to the new leadership integrity and electoral rules," Ndung’u added.

Political scientist Dr Adams Oloo of University of Nairobi says reality will dawn on Kenyans through a pure presidential system after the General Election. "The winning President will not take office immediately but allow for petitions to be heard if any," Dr Oloo said.

Political analyst Mr Mutahi Ngunyi feels that 2012 will be a tough year for Kenyans specifically because of the coming elections and the putting up of structures for the national and county governments.

"The first hurdle is that we do not know what state of elections we would have. It will all depend on the determining of the date of election. There is also the prospect of the IDPs, who are still in camps," Mr Ngunyi said.

Prof Ben Sihanya, a law lecturer at University of Nairobi, said: "Kenya will be marking milestone developments in 2012 but the most critical measures must be taken to ensure elections are free, fair and credible."

Cabinet Minister Mutula Kilonzo called on Kenyans to jealously guard peace throughout the campaigns by shunning anybody out to incite the electorate under the guise of seeking votes. George Kegoro, the director of the Kenyan chapter of the International Chapter of Jurists, said 2012 provides the opportunity to consolidate the benefits of the new Constitution.

— Stories by Juma Kwayera, Jackson Okoth, Beuttah Omanga, Athman Amran and Rawlings Otieno.