Politicians, their supporters must be civil during rallies

 

 

Currently, pro and anti-BBI crusaders are criss-crossing the country to sell or malign the initiative, while at the same time engaging in 2022 campaigns. As a result, the country is in campaign mode — 18 months to the general election.

Without doubt, these campaigns are putting the lives of thousands of Kenyans, who attend the packed political rallies, at risk of Covid-19.

In addition, many people are concerned because some politicians are using the rallies to not only insult their competitors, but also divide Kenyans.

Yesterday, one of the politicians was under fire for allegedly making insensitive remarks against his parliamentary colleague, which hurt not only the targeted MP but also other people living with disabilities and Kenyans at large. The legislator allegedly accused his colleague, who is living with albinism, of 'bleaching' in order to be nominated to Parliament.

While it is unusual for politicians to attack each other, using such language is uncalled for and insensitive. Yet that was not the first time this was happening. During the last elections, some politicians crassly joked about a body part of one of their colleagues.

Such politics, if it qualifies to be called so, is distasteful and betrays a dearth of ideas on the part of the politicians. It should be strongly condemned.

Politicians should learn to respect Kenyans and each other. They should persuade voters based on concrete ideas that would move the country forward, not trivialities. Insulting each other can only accentuate the divisions they have caused so far.

Notably, the premature campaigns have needlessly raised political temperatures. In the past few months, we have witnessed supporters of some politicians disrupting meetings or even engaging their perceived opponents in bloody clashes.

We have seen them shouting down politicians during public meetings. We have also witnessed politicians exchanging blows in public.

Bad manners such as these should be condemned in the strongest terms possible, and firm action taken against the culprits. When politicians or their supporters disturb the peace, we expect authorities to do more than merely put them on a list of shame. They deserve to have their day in court.

If the current trend continues, there is a possibility of the country going down the precipice again during the 2022 elections. God forbid.