President Uhuru Kenyatta Says we only differ politically

By Irene Owino

A live interview  was carried out in one of the top television station, ‘Nipashe na Uhuru’, at 7:00pm at State House premises. It was an interview between His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and two news anchors, Kanze Dena and Lulu Hassan. This interview brought silence in most homes and everywhere people were watching it because it was the President of the Republic of Kenya.

Those supporting his answers were cheering while those opposing him were jeering. All these are because of the political differences people have, which is normal and healthy. I keenly followed his statements and everything he was saying and I was happy to hear him say something that I think I should share with everyone.

When he was asked if it is true that him and Raila Odinga ( Opposition co-principal leader of National Super-Alliance Party [NASA]) were not in good terms, he cleared the air with a good statement. He said, “..How can I hate him when I do call him my brother? We only differ in politics but we are good friends…” This statement made me think of the Kenya we are living in and the tribal relationships we have.

Politics is being served alongside every meals and it is the hot topic because we are almost approaching the elections. I have also seen many functions being held in State House, whereby Raila is also there. At time I watch them in TV talking and laughing, how I wish I was part of their conversation so as to give Kenyans feedback on what was being discussed. Kidding.

To take you back in them days when our President was Jomo Kenyatta and his Vice President was Jaramogi Oginga Odinda. Two cannot walk together lest they do not agree. Don’t you think that there is something like business they were doing together? If not that, maybe something that is uniting them, behind the media. This thing, probably their sons are now in charge of it since they are still in leadership. Isn’t that friendship beyond politics and tribe?

Now, let’s go back to reality. We are all Kenyans but we also differ when it comes to politics. Unfortunately we have extended it to our economy, social lives and now the indifference has landed in religion and it has hided in our members of our religion. Families, especially those of inter-tribal are now divorcing like no one’s business. We have extended it to all the fields of our lives while the big fish are strategically playing their political fights.

It is possible to set aside our political indifference and do other things together but tribalism is swallowing our minds and behaviours. We can stand and rebuke those leaders trying to divide us in terms of tribe.  What personal gain do we get when that leader of your tribe wins a certain seat? Will you live a luxurious life in your house afterwards, even when they are building the economy of your county or country? The joy will be there for a while but still you must struggle to fight for your future.

Think of this, when Members of Parliament were fighting to get good salaries, all of them were together despite their political indifference. Currently, majority of senators wants to vie foe gubernatorial seats. When they were accused of being greedy for wealth and thirsty for leadership, they all united to explain the accusations. A proof is when Jeff Koinange, a seasoned news anchor, in Citizen TV JKL (Jeff Koinange Live) during his interview with the two senators; Bony Khalwale and Kipchumba Murkomen on 15th March, 2017, they gave all joined together to correct the accusations, despite their different political parties. This means these politicians are united.

Let justice be our defender. May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty and plenty be found within our borders.