Kenyans Have Finally Reclaimed Their Country

Uhuru Kenyatta, president-elect

BY STEPHEN NDEGWA
FRIDAY, 15 MARCH, 2013

The din created after this year’s General Election is slowly dying amidst the embers of opposition to the outcome. Perhaps we need to take the dissenting voices positively. In times such as this, it is possible to take things, especially victory, for granted. In the excitement of the moment you could easily lose the reason for the struggle and continue with business as usual.

Therefore, yes to both jubilation and the reality check – it will help in proving that the victory was not in vain. Well, before I lose you completely, am referring to what is starting to unfold, albeit painstakingly, as the yet to be sworn-in Jubilee Government takes shape in earnest.

If there is anybody who still doubts the resolve of most Kenyans to move on after the elections, then the events of the last few days should put all those doubts to history where they belong. Even before they have taken oath of office, the President-elect and his deputy are already in high demand.

Since the start of this week Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto have been shuttling between meetings with various interest groups and public officials. Without going to the merits or demerits of the petition against Jubilee’s victory, people are asking when the new Government will get down to business before ongoing projects lose momentum and new opportunities fly away.

The elections were really a referendum to determine whether we want to continue being held hostage by living in the shackles and vicious cycle of political and economic dependency or we want to tread where the eagles dare. Those people who keep talking about this or that country or international organisation that is not amused by what has happened are still living in a past that Kenyans left behind on March 4.

By electing such “compromised” candidates, Kenyans have said they are done with certain prescriptions and should be left to decide what is best for them.