4 REASONS THE GAMBIA FIASCO CAN NOT HAPPEN IN KENYA.

People have different perspectives in life.

They will therefore give different opinions concerning what they think is right or wrong based on their understanding — or lack of it — of the subject.

Even though social media is known as a platform for criticising people, especially public figures, much of what is posted is true — or has an element of wisdom in it.

Recently, there was an uproar on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reactions to critics.

His choice of words probably angered many who criticised how a reputable leader could use such words in public.

Others felt that, like any human being, he had a right to express his anger.

However much the pressure, a leader must appear calm no matter the circumstances surrounding him or her.

He must refrain from angrily lashing back at his critics, because it only gives them more ammunition to pull him down.

Of late, the president has unwittingly fallen prey to his opponents’ provoking traps by readily responding to them.

From his public spat with Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok to the most recent one with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, more of the President’s opponents cannot wait for a verbal duel with him, and the publicity that goes with it.

All these are reasons enough why Uhuru has no business answering back to any public criticism levelled against him and his government.

There is a saying in Kiswahili that goes, ‘Kelele za chura hazizuii Ng’ombe kunywa maji.’ This roughly translates to ‘A frog’s croaking inside a pond does not prevent a cow from drinking water.

As a leader, Uhuru should concentrate on doing his job, as he took an oath to protect the welfare of all Kenyans.

He must learn to ignore public sentiments from his critics and focus on service delivery.