It is at times like these when the bounds of a country’s nationhood and the wisdom of its leadership are tested.

President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga have pushed the country to the edge following a standoff over the last General-Election and public angst over the cost of living.

Kenyans have lost their lives in deadly protests inspired by the Opposition over a number of demands including an audit of the last presidential poll results, electoral reforms and protection of multi-party democracy.

Anxious Kenyans are keeping their fingers crossed after the Opposition called for a three-day countrywide demonstration amidst a strong warning by the State security agencies that the protests will not be tolerated.

That has ominously laid ground for a show-down between security agencies and Azimio supporters. Though largely clothed as protests over the cost of living the political motive cannot be disguised.
The demos are a result of an unfortunate culture of endless political competition that has become part of our country’s post-election conditions with grave consequences to its citizens.

There is no doubt the ongoing conflict is political. Though it involves the two key arch rivals, it has a strong bearing on peace and economic stability of the country. Already, businesses have been disrupted and lives lost. This cannot be allowed to persist. Political interests should not hold the country at ransom. Kenyans need their country back and space to address the more pressing issues facing families and businesses.

They are more concerned about placing food on the table, school fees, lack of jobs, low wages and the high cost of medicare that is of little concern to the warring political elite.

While we call the combatants to reason, it is time the country addresses issues such as poverty, marginalisation and personalisation of power that continue to fuel violence among Kenyans.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the relationship between poverty and politically-instigated violence as well as its effects on national security.

The Waki Report revealed that widespread belief that the presidency brings advantages for the President’s ethnic group makes communities willing to exert violence to attain and keep power.