Truth, Justice, Peace and Liberty

A few hours from now, Kenyans from all walks of life, will gather in polling booths to exercise the most solemn of their responsibilities; Elect their government. There is no greater responsibility a citizen has to its country than to vote. I hope all of us, will go out, brave the hot sun, joins the queues and live out our citizenry. As we do so, let us remember the words of our national anthem; Truth, Justice, Peace and Liberty.

Truth because our leaders, should posses integrity, should show a record of honesty, should dialogue honestly about the state of the country, should make clear, realistic electoral promises, should be consistent in their beliefs and their words should be reflected in the lives they lead. Individuals who speak water and drink wine are not fit to lead our country.

Justice because, a country is as good as its institutions. All institutions are important, but there is none more important that the Judiciary. Other institutions can only run fairly if the Judiciary plays its critical role of being an impartial referee. We have to elect individuals with clean legal records and an unadulterated reverence for rule of law. Records of impropriety, corruption and abuse of power are a premonition to an unjust leadership and a compromised judicial process. Individuals who tolerate corruption in any form have not lived to the creed of Justice; the backbone of our anthem. We can not afford to elect or re-elect such individuals and, if you cast your vote for such; you have failed the republic.

Peace and Liberty because that’s what a republic should give. We elect our government; we fund it so it can facilitate the freedom that its citizens seek. We fought for independence so people will be free to pursue their dreams, happiness, and rights without infringing on others. Kenyans must indentify individuals who respect human rights. Individuals who stand up and speak out for that glorious peace; these are the people that we should elect. Anyone with a record of sowing tribalism/sectionalism nepotism discord, funding clashes or infringing on individual rights should be tossed where they belong; jail.

If Justice is our shield and defender and, Peace and Liberty reign; then Kenya will begin to live the words of its national anthem. Every citizen will be treated fairly, every child will have a chance to live out their dreams and from this corner of Africa, a republic will in deed arise. Let us vote with our hearts but most importantly let us vote with our our heads.

straton@live.com