Today marks a day of triumph in East Africa.
I was in Kenya in 2007, a week before the presentational elections which turned into bloodshed. During those days of chaos, I sat with millions of others in Uganda, one of the East African countries that depends on the Mombasa port for business and commerce. All eyes on their big brother, Kenya.
Later I was in Uganda during 2011 elections when tear gas burned my eyes and fear ruled the streets. We all wondered, “Are we experiencing another Kenya election?” Prayers went up like smoke. Thankfully it did not end with bloodshed, but blood was boiling because many stated the election was “marred by avoidable and logistical failures, which led to an unacceptable number of Ugandan citizens being disenfranchised.” McGregor, Sarah; Ojambo, Fred (20 February 2011) We have yet to see an honest democratic election in Uganda where the leaders serve out of the interest of the people, not their own political agenda.
But THIS day will be marked in history! A time when Kenya demonstrated democracy in the purest sense of it’s origin: an election based on the power of influence and hope, verses the power of arms and corruption.
President Kibaki said he was happy with the way IEBC conducted the “most diverse and intense general election in our nation’s history”. –Daily Nation
Though there were delays, patience pays.
Chairman Isaack Hassan and the entire Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission were commended for their integrity and commitment to peace.
We only pray for Kenya’s peace to flow like a river through Uganda as we pray for our next elections in 2016.
To learn more about Kenya Elections, visit The Daily Nation.
Kelsey Hargadine
Co-Founder
