Sam Evidence Orikunda
When one harbours the ambitions of becoming a president, he or she should be having the country on his heart, sometimes selfishness drives our candidates instead of patriotism. One should not focus on what he will gain after becoming president, but what he will do for his country.
Most Kenyans must have been shocked to learn that President Uhuru Kenyatta was going to meet his rival Raila Odinga yesterday. However everyone should be grateful in Kenya to have seen this happen. Its a ray of hope, its the beginning of serious development, its a gift of peace and stability to the country, its replacement of hate to love and its a big lesson to young Kenyans.
Uganda has the opposition which puts much efforts on having the power in their hands, and if one thinks that their efforts is to enjoy the benefits of being President and not working for Ugandans he or she will be absolutely wrong.
Last year I read the stories about the possible talks between President Museveni and the FDC’s Col. Besigye, however these could have aborted because the opposition shown less interest.
Uganda’s Opposition has focused much on imparting politics of hate, violence and defiance, which do not build the country but rather cost much to the Unity of Uganda.
If you met an Opposition member today and asked him about any NRM member, He or she can’t describe that person without an insult, in fact they go as far refusing greetings and associating with them freely because to them someone you don’t agree with politically is your enemy.
Of course, all the sitting governments all over the world work to protect the power and I think they’re right to do that, because stability within the state should come first, and that’s why any person who shows the signs of causing anything that can take power will always be dealt with and as you do that, most of the activities is at standstill.
After an Election, it would be good, if a reconciliation committee is put up, because in a campaign you can’t fail to hurt each other, everyone will be pulling the rope to their sides, however, that is for a short time. So if one campaigns better than you, mobilises the people and wins the election, one who has lost should always have a heart to accept the results and move on with developing the country.
When talks take place, reconciliation done, then a combined effort is created to work for one country and which is the prime job of every leader, or any person who aspires to be a leader. We must all agree that there were several things that could stop Mr Raila Odinga from meeting Uhuru Kenyatta, these are,
1. Mr Raila Odinga said that the elections weren’t fair, he went to court and the elections were annulled. This means the EC was mandated to organise another election which Raila Odinga didn’t participate in. This itself would have created a big rift between President Uhuru and his rival Raila Odinga.
Similarly in Uganda the Opposition says the elections weren’t free and fair, they’ve since then fought hard and they don’t want to hear or associate themselves with president Museveni and they encourage their supporters to do the same. This is very unfortunate and very bad for the country.
2. Mr Raila Odinga just like Kiiza Besigye went and sworn in himself, he declared himself people’s president. This could have created a big rift Between President Uhuru but it didn’t, the two had to meet today having Kenya at heart.
3. Mr Raila Odinga’s supporters died during campaigns, and they were killed by either bullets or serious rivalry between the two leaders, but Still this couldn’t block talks, they’ve Kenya in their heart.
4. Kenya having politics which involve Tribes, and am guessing President Uhuru isn’t from the same tribe with our friend Raila Odinga, but still this couldn’t put a stop on details important meeting.
The truth is there are several things that happen in Campaigns and Elections that bring division. But patriotic leaders, should always find away of allowing peace to prevail.
This tendency of refusing to accept defeat, will push Africa behind, and most African opposition leaders, find it easy to create permanent rivalry between them and the incumbent presidents, this blocks development, and acts as a stumbling blocks of several projects, that would chase unemployment and boost the economy of African countries.
No Opposition leader in Uganda will come up to support what Mr Raila Odinga did because they don’t believe in it, they believe in a violent Uganda, a Uganda of people who defy laws, a Uganda of failed economy, communication and a Uganda of increased crime. They see this as the only way that shall allow them get power forgetting that it costs much to the country and its citizens.
Mr Raila Odinga is an understanding, patriotic and Civilised man. His love for Kenya is bigger than being president, Kenya comes first in whatever he does, and I think this is very important and the young generation has something to learn from this man.
