I’ve been watching the Kenyan politics playing out on the social networks with a keen eye. Interesting facts divulge that competition is intensifying, with the major presidential aspirants seeking to reach out to as many people as they can. In so doing, they hope to endear themselves to likely voters.
Apparently, social networks will largely influence who becomes Kenya’s next president. About seventy percent of the country’s voters are youths. Most of them while away their free time on the social networks, such as facebook and tweeter. It then goes without saying that reaching out to this block of voters is a wise thing for any aspirant to do.
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| Martha Karua carries her tablet which she uses to connect on social networks |
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| Uhuru Kenyatta has the most followers on facebook |
Martha Karua is said to be the most active presidential aspirant on tweeter and facebook. She engages in question and answer sessions with citizens who bombard her with critic and praise in equal measure. She constantly updates her status and uploads photos of the various events she attends. It has also been noted that her facebook fan page was the only Kenyan personage page that had the most likes for the longest time standing.
Uhuru Kenyatta, another presidential aspirant, recently managed to surpass Karua, and he currently has the most likes on facebook. Kenyatta reaches out to his supporters through status updates, informing them of what he is up to and uploading photos of the events he attends. He too has his fair share of fans and critiques.
Both Kenyatta and Karua have followings of well over 150,000 people each and are the two aspirants with the largest followings on facebook. There is a notably big gap between them and the other candidates; Raila Odinga, William Ruto, Peter Kenneth, Kalonzo Musyoka and Raphael Tuju.
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| Kalonzo Musyoka |
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| Peter Kenneth |
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| Raila Odinga |
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| William Ruto |
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| Raphael Tuju |
A closer look into the pages of some these aspirants will reveal a disconcerting detail. People who like the pages are mostly from the community or tribe of the aspirant. Tribal politics have cost Kenya a big deal and an intimation of gravitation towards the same is definitely distasteful.
It is however encouraging to note that the pages of some of the aspirants have people from diverse communities and tribes almost in equal numbers. This means that the hope of getting a good leader is not lost.
It is entrenched clearly in the new constitution that the person elected president of the republic must have garnered at least 50% plus 1 of the entire votes cast. Also, he/she must garner at least 25% of votes cast in 24 counties.
This provision in the constitution is out to ensure that the person who becomes president is one who is acceptable countrywide and with a national outlook. The said individual will for that reason be the president of all Kenyans and not just the tribe or region that he/she comes from.
It is disheartening to see citizens attacking each other on social networks on the basis of their tribes. The Communications Commission of Kenya has vowed to crack the whip on such individuals, so as to avoid a repeat of the 2007/2008 post poll aggression.
The political heat wave sweeping across Kenya’s social network is definitely one to look out for. The pre-election period is an especially imperative one. The fact that potential voters can engage with the aspiring leaders is a plus, as it will ensure Kenyans have an avenue to vet them. If used well, social networks will help Kenyans make informed choices. If misused however, it could prove to be very pricey to a country that needs to maintain peace and stability.
Kenyans should think about their country and what’s best for all citizens and future generations. A leader should be voted in not by virtue of their tribe, or how moneyed they are, but by virtue of their development track record, reform agenda and what good they can bring to the country.
KENYANS, even those in Diaspora, Your vote is your voice so vote wisely!!!!
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