Now that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared qualified presidential hopefuls, it is imperative that the candidates officially undertake to observe election rules and regulations and to pledge their commitment to uphold peace before, during and after the election.

Kenyan polls have in the past been tainted by cases of pre- and post-election violence, which has led to needless loss of lives and livelihoods. As such, it is important that leading candidates be made to undertake that they will preach peace and that they will foster an environment, in which it is okay for their supporters to differ with their opponents peacefully.

It is possible for players on different sides of the political divide to undertake campaigns in an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation. It is also possible for them to ensure supporters accept the outcome of the elections without resorting to violence. 

That is why we remind leaders to consider elections as contests, and appreciate that in every contest, there will always be winners and losers. In elections, there can only be one winner in any given seat, hence the need to counsel candidates to come to terms with all the possible outcomes of elections. 

We acknowledge the leaders who appreciate that Kenya is bigger than any individual. This is the philosophy that leaders ought to abide by and learn to put Kenya first whether they win or lose elections.

The trend of disputing election results violently ought to be a thing of the past. Courts have provided avenues through which results can be challenged legitimately. As such, it behoves judges to ensure that they act in the interest of justice and peace, when they sit to hear and determine election disputes at all levels, not just the presidency. 

When the populace has faith and confidence in the independence of the Judiciary, it becomes all the more easier for it to be an arbiter in election disputes and for its decisions to be accepted across the board. 

This should be our national aspiration; that political players can disagree with the outcome of the results, use legal channels to challenge them and accept their verdicts. 

The bottom line is that all election-related activities should be guided by the Constitution. Political leaders have an opportunity to change the trajectory that has been Kenya’s curse every election year, when the economy tanks due to election jitters. 

Positive change is possible. It only takes the political actors to make a commitment to peace and justice and putting the interests of Kenya and Kenyans above personal aggrandisement.