NAIROBI; KENYA: With just 24 hours to perhaps Kenya’s most important General Election, the candidates at every level are exuding confidence of victory in Monday’s elections.
Presidential candidates, who have spent the most time and money on the campaign trail are especially unwilling to admit that this might not be their day yet.
In a special series of the Standard Group, we set out to interview with the eight presidential candidates on their hopes and fears as the campaigns came to an end.
They were each asked to respond to these five questions:
- What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
- What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
- here will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
- It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
- Your last word?
Here are their responses to the important questions of the day.
PETER KENNETH
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: I am hopeful that on Monday, Kenyans will vote for what is right rather than what is convenient. We have been held under the bondage of history for too long by the same people who keep doing the same things. This time around, Kenyans are faced with a choice to stick with status quo or vote to move the country forward. I am hopeful they will choose change. My only concerns are around time and civic education. It may be a challenge for the IEBC to stick to the set times especially since voters haven’t been adequately educated on the voting procedures.
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
I have already spoken to my supporters to sensitise them that we must have a country after 4th March. I will continue to appeal to all Kenyans to be patient as we vote, count and tally the results. This must be a healthy competition in which one person emerges as President but most importantly that all Kenyans emerge victorious.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
If Kenyans decide not to vote for me as their president, I will humbly accept their choice and move on to serve the nation in other ways. I am passionate about the Kenyan people and I will do anything and everything, I can to ensure that their lives are improved and that they are given a chance to live up to their full potential.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
As you know, I speak from the heart. As the occasion shall demand, I shall rise to the occasion.
Your last word?
I urge Kenyans to vote for me so that together we can move our country forward. This race must not be about any individual interests; it must be about all of us and the issues that affect us. If you are looking for a person who will work for you to ensure that government delivers basic services and creates opportunities for all the people of Kenya, then you need not look further. Let’s make the next five years count. Tunawesmake!
PAUL MUITE
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: My hope is to see a very peaceful and well organised and managed election. For our institutions to work (IEBC & Judiciary) in case of disputes. We don’t believe in being fearful about democratic activity. This is time to get used to elections as being periodic episodes in which we give Kenyans special governmental responsibilities. Why should we be afraid of constructing our Government?
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
I have personally signed the Red Cross Peace Pledge and would happily sign onto any other efforts. No-one can seriously doubt Safina’s record as to peaceful electioneering; indeed we have been the victims of political violence often instigated by the State, its agents and other retrogrades. I am not, and my party is not, disposed towards violence. We have always fought for the right for Kenyans to freely make political decisions via the ballot in peace. Elections for us are not a matter of life and death, and we regret how elections have become an opportunity for criminality in Kenya over the past few decades.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
We hope that the Kenyan voting public votes for us as we believe that our prescription will cure the ailments Kenyans have suffered for decades. We are committed to democracy, and will accept defeat in fair and free elections.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
We have not written a concession speech as we believe that Kenyans have not rejected our message as of now.
Your last word?
Monday morning, wake up early. Assemble registered voters in your household and proceed with them to your registered voting stations. Cast your ballot in secret and at the point that results are being announced, judge for yourself whether Kenya has become a truly independent and democratic Nation. God Bless you all.
UHURU KENYATTA
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: My hopes are twofold. That the hard work of my partners in the coalition, our candidates across the country, our simply brilliant TNA staff and the thousands of volunteers and supporters who have worked tirelessly for this campaign will be rewarded.
Secondly, I desire peaceful elections. That hope completely supersedes a Jubilee victory. Never again shall Kenyans relive the events of 2007/8.
As a nation we have nothing to fear if we unite peacefully around our next president and government.
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
Whatever the result, I will join with both my colleagues and opponents in ensuring that all Kenyans understand the need to participate in these elections peacefully and reiterate the point that a stable and peaceful Kenya is more important than any single candidate or party.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
At the moment we are only contemplating victory. However, if I do not make it to State House I will be talking to my family before making any decisions. I would like to contribute to our country through public service in whatever capacity I can. I will also endeavour to support those who will be governing our nation if they so wish.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
If that situation arises – and I remain hopeful it will not – I will first and foremost wish to thank all those dedicated volunteers and supporters who have joined me on this difficult but ultimately rewarding journey. Their support has been an inspiration. I will also throw my full weight behind the new President and wish him or her the best of luck.
Your last word?
To my felIow Kenyans I have a simple message. I hope that I have persuaded you that our Jubilee Coalition can best serve the needs of all Kenyans, no matter what tribe, religion, age or gender you are. However this election is now out of my hands. It is down to you, as Kenyans, to choose your next government and President. I will fully respect your decision.
MARTHA KARUA
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
To my felIow Kenyans I have a simple message. I hope that I have persuaded you that our Jubilee Coalition can best serve the needs of all Kenyans, no matter what tribe, religion, age or gender you are. However this election is now out of my hands. It is down to you, as Kenyans, to choose your next government and President. I will fully respect your decision.
MARTHA KARUA
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: I am hoping that Kenyans will defy the pessimists who say we are not evolved enough to vote according to conviction and not hype. I am hoping that I will wake up on March 5th proud that my fellow countrymen have given Kenya a chance to truly reach greater heights.
I trust in the good that I know dwells in every Kenyan and that the earnest efforts for promoting peaceful, free and fair elections will prevail.
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
My role is to continue to remind them to maintain and preach peace and not engage directly or indirectly in any activity that may prove disruptive and discordant. We are also actively utilising our social media outlets up until election day to urge people to vote and to maintain peace.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
I often say that I was a Kenyan citizen committed to this country before I got into politics and I will remain the same no matter the outcome of the election. After all in the democratic election process, there are only two outcomes, a winner and a loser. March 4th is the real (opinion) poll and that is the decision I will accept.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
Based on the amazing reception I receive during my countrywide tours and the encouragement I receive from numerous supporters online and offline, my hopes and efforts have been to work hard towards realising a win. Once the outcome is realised, then I will be better placed at drafting a speech to fit the outcome.
Your last word?
Monday will change your life and direct the course of this country for the next five years. You have the power to give your dreams, the dreams of your family and this country a real chance with your vote, so go for it!
In this election, choose me because I am a leader you can trust, a leader who will defend you at every point, a leader whose promise to deliver a greater Kenya for all is dependable.
RAILA ODINGA
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: The country is in the mood for change. My hope is that Kenyans will this time round go full length and vote for change and reform. Kenya must be born anew tomorrow. I know some of our supporters are being intimidated and forced out of certain regions. But Kenyans have fought harder battles before and withstood greater pressure in the past.
I have no fears. I only have hope for our people and my country Kenya.
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
My message these past five years has been peace. Peace is the reason I persevered and remained in a hostile coalition government in which one side tried everything to take everything. I remained in the coalition for the sake of peace and unity of our country. Even in these dying minutes, I continue to appeal to the people of Kenya to conduct themselves with dignity and peace.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
I believe Kenyans will elect me their fourth President. Kenyans know what we have done together in the past, what I delivered for them in the coalition and what I can do given a full mandate. I see my next role being that of taking Kenya forward because I trust the people of Kenya will elect me.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
Speech is not the most important part of our plan. Action is what we are prepared for on day one. I am not in this to deliver more speeches and promises to the people of Kenya. I am in this to deliver jobs, fight corruption, deliver healthcare and truly free education on day one. But make no mistake. My victory speech is ready.
Your last word?
We want to end corruption, take power to the people, and deliver social services like healthcare, free education and jobs. What stands between us and these dreams is the vote. Let each of us wake up early tomorrow and cast the vote that will change Kenya for better. A vote not cast is vote against Kenya.
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: That Kenya can break with the old politics and leaders who don’t really care about all of us. As for fears, we seem to be again setting up Kenyans for disappointment. In political terms, the apparent standoff created by Cord and Jubilee is toxic. Cord sees its chances in a run-off and wants to force it. Raila Odinga knows this is his last run. Jubilee though sees only a first round win as its defence. The temptation is big.
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
Clearly there would be a lot of unhappiness if the outcome is not perceived to be fair and beyond reproach. On our part as RBK and the Kiyiapi campaign, we have conducted ourselves with law-abiding dignity and this will not change.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not be you, what next?
It is not over until it is over. I have served this nation for over 20 years and I will continue to serve this country I love so much. Every Kenyan in whatever capacity is called upon to serve, not to any position of entitlement. Public service, even as President, will never be about reward for anything.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
There is a clear transition period. In a young democracy that is Kenya, there is enough time to write a concession speech. As of now, I’m sure we have made our case and Kenyans who have cried for change are ready to hire Winnie Kaburu and myself for the top job.
Your last word?
Dear Kenyans, the moment we have been waiting for is finally here for us to shape the destiny of this great nation for ourselves, our children and future generations. All the eight candidates you will see on the ballot paper tomorrow are real people who represent a certain kind of change. As I have said before if I’m honoured to become your President I will seek to make this a great country for all. Give me your vote.
MUSALIA MUDAVADI
QUESTION: What are your hopes with just 24 hours to voting? Any fears?
Answer: My hope for this year’s General Election is to turn the page forever on the 2007 poll and its disputed results in the race for State House. Whatever the margin of victory or loss tomorrow, this must be achieved.
I must reiterate that the decision of the people of Kenya tomorrow must be respected by all, beginning with the contestants.
My only fear is that certain political formations have already set the ground for gratuitous disputing of the results in the very likely event that they lose. One side of the political sector has made serious allegations against the IEBC, despite the fact that it has done a superb job so far and against the leadership of the national security institutions.
What do you see as your role at this late hour in ensuring there are no violent or provocative actions among your supporters?
My role has been constant and will continue to be, going forward. As the very name of the Coalition that I lead tells Kenyans and the world, our agenda is synonymous with peace. We are the most peaceful and reasonable of the political formations going into thisGeneral Election.
There will only be one presidential winner. If that happens not to be you, what next?
Life goes on. What’s more, there is another presidential election five years down the road – or sooner. By sooner, I refer to the many checks and balances on the Executive embedded in the new Constitution, including impeachment clauses when the need arises. If all goes well and Amani finds no reason to resort to the courts, I will extend full cooperation and assistance to the Fourth President of Kenya, if that happens not to be me.
It’s natural to prepare a victory speech at such a time. But what plans are you making for a concession speech as well?
We are in this to win. We are ready to govern if Kenyans are ready to vote for business unusual – away from contending dynastic tendencies to a way of peace, equity, merit and inclusive prosperity. We will cross that bridge when we come to it.
Your last word?
I urge Kenyans to come out and vote in the largest numbers possible and to do so peacefully, confidently and with maximum dignity.
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