Here is why all election stakeholders must cultivate an atmosphere of trust

Kenya is heading to the August polls with a cloud of suspicion hanging over her political landscape, with leading political outfits pulling in opposite directions.

Each wants to win the much contested elections and many are willing to fight tooth and nail to get the coveted seats. The two key political outfits, Jubilee and NASA seem to disagree on virtually every aspect of election preparation, and this should raise alarm bells.

 

The grandstanding is threatening to get out of hand. At stake is the political stability of the country.

 

Unfortunately, the body mandated to oversee the general elections – the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) - is overwhelmed by the pushing and shoving. They lack the stamina to tame the politicians who are determined to have their way.

Wananchi are watching with great concern the ugly turn of events. With each passing day, mistrust between the two sides is heightened. Harsh verbal exchanges are the order of the day. Who will advise the politicians to tone down on their rhetoric?

 

Who will educate them of the sensitivity of the situation in order to avoid something akin to the 2007 election violence? We should not allow our political differences to tear the country apart. I beseech the church to step in and calm the stormy political arena that is threatening society’s very core.

 

Our religious leaders intervened when the country was facing a risk of violence following the IEBC protests called by the Opposition leaders. It is the sacred duty of the clergy to be peace makers. That said, it should be noted that peace is a communal affair and every citizen has a role towards promoting trust among the populace.