LESSONS KENYA CAN LEARN FROM THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

By Solomon K. Chivile

The US presidential election speaks clearly to our conscience. It’s time to stop bootylicking the Kenyan politician. The American politician with the most ideal agenda easily wins. The Kenyan politician, with the most resources and lies, carries the day. It’s time to stop singing endless praises to an underperforming and undeserving Kenyan politician just because he or she gives you a handout.

Americans hardly experience a “Chebukati” moment. The election is relatively free and fair. Is there an election result that is never disputed in Kenya? Let’s look out for development minded leaders, those who don’t bribe us to have our votes.

President Elect Donald Trump describes his victory as “the greatest victory for democracy and freedom.” Is Kenya really a democratic country when we have leaders who are eager to do whatever the President says. Is our democracy and freedom on trial? 2027, affords us the opportunity to vote out the praise and worship team who are too eager to please their master without regarding public opinion.

More than 120 million Americans cast their vote to elect their desired leaders. Within a day, the democratically elected leaders are declared. Think of the “Chebukati” moment in Kenya. We would be in the dark, unsure of the President Elect. Countless electoral disputes will follow suit. The US presidential election teaches us that we can do things better.