On Tuesday, November 28, before thousands of Kenyans at Kasarani Stadium, and watched by millions, Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn in for his second term as President of the Republic of Kenya.
But there will be little time for celebration. For the last three months, the challenges facing the President have multiplied. Following a prolonged period of tension and uncertainty, our economy has slowed, with the poorest hit hardest.
Equally concerning is that after four years of peaceful inter-communal relations, political violence and communal discord have reared their ugly heads.
With such acute challenges facing our leadership, the statement from State House after the Supreme Court upheld Uhuru’s re-election was encouraging. Through his spokesperson, Manoah Esipisu, Uhuru was very clear about his immediate priorities.
“The President would like to assure all Kenyans, those who voted for him and those who did not, that he will be President of all Kenyans. No one should fear that they will be marginalised or penalised for their political choice.
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Next week, the President will take his oath of office. On that day, he will rededicate himself to the path of peace, prosperity, constitutional order, and of healing.”
The tone and content of Uhuru’s statement is in sharp contrast to that of Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said: “We in National Super Alliance (NASA) had repeatedly declared before this Supreme Court ruling today that we consider this government to be illegitimate and do not recognise it.”
The contrast between these two statements is emblematic of the difference in the characters of the two leaders. While one seeks to put out fires, the other throws gasoline on them. While one build bridges, the other tries to tear them down.
If Raila had been elected the fifth president of Kenya, can you really imagine him playing the role of healer-in-chief? US President Harry Truman said: “Men make history, and not the other way round.” Over the next five years, I firmly believe that the wisdom of this quote will shine through; that Kenya will heal, grow and prosper. It is simply a question of leadership.
