Jamhuri and Responsibility for every Kenyan

Happy Uhuru and Jamhuri Day celebrations.  Did you know that our Jamhuri Day celebrations are a double feast for us Kenyans?  On this day, December 12, we celebrate both our independence and self governance that happened on the same date in 1963 and 1964 respectively.  Thus as we mark this important day in the history of our country and of us Kenyans as a people, let us thank God for all the gains made so far as well as place our dear counntry in the hands of our creator God, Allah, Mungu, Ngai, Nyasae, Mlungu, ....

Our country is indeed blessed with a variety of culture, traditions and languages.  This diversity has seen us move forward together as a nation appreciating what our neighbours have to offer in terms of differences in language, perception of events, and even creativity in addressing common challenges in life.  We have so far lived in harmony appreciating this richness in diversity. 

As we celebrate our Jamhuri Day, let us commit ourselves to move forward more united than ever.  Why this commitment, you may ask.  It is as simple as this: a challenge stands before us.  It is count down to the March 2013 general elections under the new constitutional dispensation.  Yet we all know that our political arena has been nothing but certain.  The campaigns going on at the moment have polarised the nation.  Security is wanting and Kenyans fear for their safety following granade attacks, inter clan/tribal clashes and even suspicion of our neighbours with whom we have shared neighbourhoods for ages.  There are fears gripping many Kenyans with regard to the political environment come March 4th 2013.  One thing is sure though.  Just like in previous elections, the upcoming elections will come and go.  Again, just like in the past, regardless of who wins the elections, Kenyans will remain Kenyans.  We have no other place to call home. 

Given this reality, why not act and speak like civilized people to avoid a repeat of the violence that we witnessed in the past around electioneering period?  I call on every responsible and peace loving Kenyan to ensure they register as voters and come March 2013 they go and vote quietly for their favourite candidates.  Once that has been done they should sit back and pray that their candidate wins.  However, in the event their candidates lose at the ballot, every responsible and peaceful Kenyan should accept the fact that in any race, we expect winners and losers.  However, losing an election does not amount to losing ones head, ones civility nor ones life.  It is a moment to commit ourselves to support the winners in their quest to put into practice their policies and strategies for the benefit of all Kenyans. 

So my dear Kenyan, just a question to you: Have you registered as a voter?  I have been receiving these text messages from IEBC reminding me to go and register as a voter.  Today's message said it is only SEVEN (/7) Days to the conclusion of the registration period.  So hurry up and register yourself so you may vote that candidate of yours and stop blaming others if he or she is not their favourite.  Seven days to Go.  Go Now.  Wishing you God's Blessings on Jamhuri, during the Christmas Celebrations, in the New Year 2013, as you go to vote and in life.