Why Raila may be lucky in race this time round

Talk of the day

This will be the fourth time Raila Odinga will be running for presidency, having failed in 1997, 2007 and 2013. However, he may be lucky on August 8 because he has wider support from major communities, including Luo, Luhya, Kamba and Kalenjin after the formation of NASA that brings together most opposition parties. But Raila has to get it this time round as he may not have another opportunity. [Lulu Mandi] In about two months, Kenyans will be going to the ballot to pick their leaders. I hope professionals can take part in the elections and help put the right people in office. This crop of people kept off the recent party nominations and all I saw were posts on social media castigating the process. They should not sit on the fence during the elections as they have been doing. They should get out and vote. [Ndirangu Ngunjiri]

As we head to the next elections, the electoral commission must ensure a free and fair exercise. We don’t want to witness scenes similar to what happened in 2007 when over 1,000 Kenyans were killed after the presidential election was bungled. IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati and his team have a duty to ensure Kenya is united even after elections. [Mary Lihanda]

Time has come when all those seeking political office must be vetted thoroughly before IEBC gives them the go-ahead to vie for the seats. This way, we will ensure only those who meet the requirements are in office. These requirements should include academic as well as integrity as provided for under Chapter Six of the Constitution. One of the problems we have been having is electing wrong people who get to the office and do wrong things. [Dora Okulu]