The real heroes of peace in this year's power transition

President William Ruto with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua in Naivasha, Nakuru County, for the Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting. [PSCU]

The just concluded elections have been lauded as one of the most peaceful - especially considering the intensity with which the presidential vote was contested.

There had been a general expectation that there would be some violence, especially in the strongholds of key presidential candidates. But, unlike in previous elections, there was little, or no unrest reported.

From the day of the elections, through the announcement of presidential results, to the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, Kenyans remained calm and peaceful, defying all predictions by prophets of doom. Indeed, after the announcement of the presidential results, Kenyans went back to work, and children returned to school, as the petitions were prosecuted at the Supreme Court.

Then there was fear that the Supreme Court ruling would spark some protests at the historical hotspots. But, yet again, Kenyans received the court ruling in stride - with the losing side expressing dissatisfaction, yet accepting the outcome.

The final area of fear was the unfounded speculation that the handover could be acrimonious, especially because the former President had not spoken about the elections from the day of the declaration of the results.

But even that went on smoothly as former President Kenyatta not only invited the President-elect to State House the day prior to inauguration, but was also duly present at Kasarani to hand over instruments of power to the new President. The consequence is that savants and servants alike have been baffled by this highly unusual turn of events in our political scene. What might this be attributed to?

Well, it all depends on perspective. Many have suggested that our democracy is maturing, and that Kenyans have come of age, and realised there is nothing to be gained from fighting over elections. Without a doubt, this is largely true. Pictures from such places as Kondele in Kisumu showed people who received the news of the Supreme Court ruling quite calmly.

Uhuru Kenyatta (left) hands over the ceremonial sword to William Ruto during the latter's swearing-in at Kasarani, September 13, 2022. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

However, as we have argued in this space before, the mood of the nation and ultimate reaction to the outcome of the elections was going to be dependent on the response or reactions of the three key actors - William Ruto, Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta. In their hands, these men held the key.

When the results were announced, Raila together with the Azimio team called on Kenyans to remain calm as they pursue justice through the court. Likewise, after the Supreme Court ruling they expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling but accepted it. On both occasions, Raila demonstrated great statesmanship and put the nation on the path of peace.

On the other hand, by allowing disruption of his declared victory, through a court petition, Ruto likewise demonstrated great patience in the electoral process. He tried to reign in his ardent supporters and allies who felt their journey was being unnecessarily disrupted. He thus averted a possible confrontation between his supporters and those of Azimio.

On his part, Kenyatta, as the incumbent leader, had a significant role in ensuring peace prevailed. He deliberately chose the path of a peaceful transition, in spite of the shame and embarrassment of suffering defeat through his preferred candidate.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the swearing-in of William Ruto at Kasarani on September 13, 2022. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Considering the insults he had received from former political allies, it was one of the greatest marks of political maturity and statesmanship, to peacefully hand over power to the incoming President in a colourful ceremony. Many leaders, especially in the continent, would have found it difficult to leave office so peacefully, especially after being defeated at the ballot box. Kudos!

From a spiritual perspective, there is no gainsaying that the peace we enjoy was a direct act of God. For more than three months prior to the elections, Kenyans thronged places of worship, and spent time at prayer centres across the country. It is clear that, according to His word, God paid attention to the prayers of His people and preserved our land. He placed us on a pedestal, not only on the continent, but across the world. I am certainly proud to be a Kenyan. To God be the glory forever.

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