As a rule these days, in all schools from primary schools to universities, all student leaders must be elected by others into their positions. So, as usual and as is the law, the elections were scheduled for last week. All the nominations were done with ease. No complains. Campaigns kicked off with all the enthusiasm and funny promises made to the voters. However, although the elective posts were more than 20, only a few caught the attention of everyone. The top of pressure was on the student’s council president post; only two candidates applied and were all verified after the vetting; boy (nicknamed ‘Donald Trump’) and a girl (‘Hillary Clinton’).
Immediately the campaigns began, everybody felt threatened that ‘Donald Trump’ was going to be the president of the student’s council. Soon after the nomination, ‘Trump’ gathered a big group of boys led by those without good discipline records. Every evening, he was carried shoulder high to the field where he addressed his supporters. On weekends, the campaigns looked like someone was vying for at least a parliamentary seat. Nearly all other contestants were aligned to ‘Donald’.
As for ‘Hillary’, the most obedient, tidiest, and holiest and the most appropriate candidate who had no guts to make noise or lie had the support of girls. They are naturally not very vocal and proactive like the boys.
All her moves were centered on prayers and reminding the students what she has done as a movement leader and a secretary. ‘Donald’ has also been a class secretary since Form one. He has always been the students’ choice. That gives them all the freedom. Although the administration and the staff do not participate in any way or favor any candidate, I must confess that Hillary was preferred although nobody campaigned for her.
Finally, the most awaited day came. To begin with was a debate for all election candidates. All other candidates were hurried through so as to have enough time for the presidential candidates. It was hot. Each side commanded equal support of the voters’ noise. All the boys applauded whenever ‘Donald Trump’ responded to questions or spoke on his manifesto. Similar was the case with the girls for ‘Hillary Clinton’.
The school’s IEBC put the station in order and the voting began. The youngest boys and girls voted first and finished with the senior most class.
The senior class was heard on several occasions say, "hatuwezi ongozwa na msichana." "Huyo msichana anapendanga kuota sana.”
Counting started immediately after the students were done voting. As expected, it started with the 'small' seats. Several junior class candidates beat those in senior classes. Finally, the main box was opened. Security was beefed as the whole school crowded the counting station.
‘Donald Trump’ votes were counted first. Immediately the last vote was put down, a describable dash by ‘Hillary Clinton’ supporters was seen the entire compound. No one could imagine that ‘Donald Trump’ had garnered only a third of the votes. At last the girls had decided to use their power.
This is a typical Kenyan mixed school. It's a secret nowhere that girls are nearly double the number of boys in Kenyan schools. At last, they had decided to exercise the power in their numbers. For the last few years under this new dispensation, the girls have shied away from the top posts. Whenever one tries it, they vote for boys as they cultivate the culture of being typical Kenyan women who do not believe in one of their own.
Come Monday, the school IEBC is set to hear any petition.
