Irrespective of ruling, lots of work awaits
It is without a doubt that the country threatens to burst at the seams with anxiety as Kenyans await today’s Supreme Court of Kenya ruling on the disputed presidential election results. Thankfully, it is a matter of time before the seven judges pronounce themselves.
However, no matter in whose favour the scale tilts, it is the legal responsibility of every politician and citizen to ensure that irrespective of the outcome, the country should ultimately be the winner and all should uphold peace. Whether there will be elation, relief or disappointment, all should be encouraged to find appropriate avenues to release their emotions without threatening peace and good neighbourliness.
Kenya cannot afford another shock to its economy after taking such a huge hit from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic still rearing its head, the ongoing drought, a depressed global economy and a prolonged electioneering period.
A lot of pending work lies ahead of us as a nation, but first, it is commendable that Kenyans from all walks of life have expressed their intention not to take to the streets to contest the ruling of the apex court. This is a wake up call to the political elite to ensure that they do not negatively stir the emotions of Kenyans to disrupt the peace we have worked so hard to maintain.
It is also commendable that Kenyans remained peaceful during the campaigns and after the General Election last month. This is worth celebrating, although it places a heavy responsibility on the Supreme Court to ensure that it delivers a verdict that will be both fair and in Kenya’s interest.
For the first time after decades of Kenya becoming a multiparty democracy, the tourism sector thrived in this election season. International tourists kept streaming in as was evident from the visit by Formula One star, Lewis Hamilton, who holidayed in the country as Kenyans cast their votes. Hotels in Masai Mara, the Coast, and other destinations were busy with visitors.
This points to the fact that we cannot afford to reverse gains made from the peace enjoyed that was a result of the political tolerance Kenyans exhibited during and after the elections.
It is time now to shift focus to tackle the drought situation ravaging the pastoralist communities, killing wildlife and threatening food security. Time and resources now ought to go to fixing sectors of our economy to get the engine that will disentangle Kenyans from poverty keeps roaring.
