With barely a month to the General Election, there are lessons to learn on Kenyan politics especially regarding campaigns during the electioneering period. Although the political landscape is charged, NASA and Jubilee strongholds continue enjoying political calm.
Just last week, the NASA flag bear received a rousing reception as he toured Kiambu, President Uhuru Kenyatta's county of birth. Ordinarily, one would have expected that Raila's entourage would have met hostility as he campaigned in an area perceived to be pro-Jubilee. Everywhere he stopped; enthusiastic Kenyans keenly listened to him as he sought to explain his party manifesto.
This is very encouraging considering that all presidential aspirants have a right to traverse the county with a view to persuading voters. The kind of tolerance demonstrated by the residents of Kiambu is commendable.
It is this kind of maturity that all Kenyans need to embrace to accord the aspirants ample time to sell their manifestos. Kiambu residents have demonstrated to the world that political differences should not divide our resolve to remain united as a county. Our political resolve should not make us intolerable towards our competitors. This is a political competition and not a political war. - Ashford Gikunda, Kiambu
The National Super Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga's recent visit to Kiambu County was a timely and welcomed move that has been critical in easing political tension. It was also a show of political maturity as Kenyans head towards the August 8 polls.
Kiambu residents too must be commended for political maturity by giving the Opposition leader a warm welcome and for turning out in large numbers to listen to him without expressing disgust or jeering. With the country already balkanised politically with regions being referred to as either NASA or Jubilee strongholds, Raila's visit debunked the myth.
What took place in Kiambu definitely made headlines and shamed the naysayers who believe that Kenyans are still politically hostile and that a repeat 2007/08 violence may occur during this year's elections.
We may disagree politically but the events in Kiambu should show that political disagreement does not mean enmity. - David Sonye, Rarieda
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