Politicians must put Kenya first for real stability

The resurrection of Jesus Christ today, which we now celebrate as Easter Sunday, symbolises for humanity that no matter the level of pain or difficulties one experiences, there is a chance to rise again.

This is signified by Jesus Christ triumph over death. He suffered humiliation, beatings and death but overcame them all to offer hope for human beings.

The Easter holiday, therefore, offers us an opportunity to focus on rebirth. The relevance of the festival in today's Kenya is not lost coming as it is at a time the government and the opposition are engaged in a standoff on myriad issues, chief among them the high cost of living and an audit of last year's presidential election results.

After almost a month of grandstanding, various political leaders embraced the spirit of Easter by committing themselves to compromise and embrace goodwill in resolving the thorny issues that have divided the nation and led to deadly street demonstrations.

In his message, President William Ruto said the enduring spirit of Easter is manifest in Kenyans' collective and individual experiences in their own different ways. He noted that the country has in the recent past endured its fair share of difficulties amid political disagreements ranging from weakened economic growth, depleted resources to drought and debt.

The President expressed hope that Kenyans have been granted a divine gift of an opportunity to set things right and get the country going at the right pace, in the right direction.

On his part, his chief protagonist, Azimio leader Raila Odinga expressed hope that Kenyans can seize opportunities out of their challenges as Jesus did and that they can continue promising themselves to follow what he preached, which is summarised as courage in the middle of terror, hope in the middle of hopelessness, humility in spite of power, grace, mercy, love and peace.

Similar utterances were expressed by goodwill messages from other leaders across the political divide, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi.

One can only hope that the leaders meant what they said. What Kenyans are not ready for is a return to maandamano, which only proved to be destructive especially in the face of destruction of businesses and invasion of private property.

Kenyans have proved before that when reason prevails, they are able to resolve any divisive issues even when they are anathema to them. As former Vice President the late Prof George Saitoti once said, there comes a time when the nation is bigger than an individual. The time is now and we all must preserve peace for the limping economy to stabilise.