A message from the youth:

The much-awaited General Election is here with us. This magazine would like to join the rest of the country in wishing Kenya a peaceful and fair election. ESTHER KIRAGU and EDNA GICOVI convey the messages of hope and peace by several young people to the country during this critical time.

“Kenyans need to vote in leaders who will care about the country’s needs and cater for them. If we choose poor leaders we will be stuck with them for the next five years and only have ourselves to blame for the detriment it may cause our country. However, whatever the outcome of the elections we need not fight since Kenya is bigger than any individual. Kenya is ours and we still need each other, especially after elections, to grow and develop our country. What happened in the last elections should never happen again.”

Osborn Mucangi, 26 Businessman

 

“The General Election this month offers Kenyans the chance to turn around the country’s leadership. As much as we all have different preferences in terms of political aspirants, this is certainly the biggest poll we have ever experienced and I believe it is high time Kenyans put the country first and vote in leaders who truly have Kenya’s interests at heart. Leaders who will propel us to the Kenya we all desire. Above all, I pray that Kenyans can join me in promising to vote and to uphold peace regardless of the outcome of the elections. ”

Njeru Runji, 24 Lawyer

 

“I would like to let Kenyans know that elections are not war, power for one community over others, or shedding of blood, but a peaceful and civil process to elect leaders to govern a nation. We should all keep in mind that there will be a winner and a loser and that the country will have to go on with or without our preferred candidates. We should be in a position to support whoever God will have put into authority. We are a loving and peaceful people and I look forward to ushering in a new government in a peaceful democratic transition. May God bless Kenya.”

Victoria Kenya, 28 Programme Officer

 

“I urge all Kenyans to maintain peace before and after the elections. We do not want to see a repeat of the 2007/2008-post election violence. Kenyans should realise that besides politics we have more that brings and keeps us together such as our rich African culture. We should look beyond our political differences and see how we have previously worked together for the good of our country. Help me and many other realise our dreams in a beautiful and peaceful Kenya. Vote peacefully.”

Njeri Nyaga, 25 Marketer