As the country edges closer to the 2027 general elections, Kenyans have been urged to elect leaders based on their performance records rather than political party affiliations and campaign promises.
Speaking during a National Government Affirmative Action Fund empowerment event in Wangu Ward, Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County woman Representative Betty Maina said that voters should critically assess the track records, abilities and achievements of the candidates seeking various leadership positions.
“We are heading to the polls yet again, and already political affiliations are taking shape with alignments and realignments every day.
“As the voters, I urge you to vet your leaders well, based on their past performance and achievements; do not be influenced by political party affiliations and party positions,” she said.
Maina pointed out that with the mouthwatering campaign promises, voters need to vet the next crop of leaders carefully.
“You will be promised many things, but ask yourself, those whom you elected in 2022 based on their party affiliations, did they achieve or deliver what they promised?
“Performance ought to be your number one criterion at the ballot; the rest is secondary,” she added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Reverend Barnard Kamau of ACK Weithaga called on Kenyans to embrace peace and tolerance ahead of the 2027 polls.
He noted that prudence at the ballot box would be necessary so that people can elect leaders who are not only development oriented but also peace-seeking citizens.
“Review what has been achieved so far vis-à-vis what was promised and carry out your democratic right with prudence and wisdom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maina called on people to embrace speaking out when faced with life’s challenges instead of contacting lifestyle diseases from bottling up common problems that affect common people every day.
“If you are a parent and your teenage daughter gets pregnant, kindly embrace that situation and offer her the necessary support instead of concealing it, disengaging from your fellow women or men until you start suffering from lifestyle diseases.
“Cases of depression are on the rise; people are committing suicide, yet these very challenges you are going through can be solved through speaking out. Let us learn to speak to others because life is precious and worth living,” she advised.
She also called on parents to take seriously their role as the first guardians of their children, warning that many defilement cases are perpetrated by close relatives, including uncles, brothers and even grandparents.
“As a mother or guardian, you must guard your girl child fiercely because research has shown that a higher percentage of these cases are perpetrated by people known to the child,” she emphasised.
“Remain vigilant by knowing where your children are and with whom and what activities they are engaging in, maintain open communication with them and create a safe environment for them, and do not hide those who engage in antisocial behaviours.
“As a parent, if your son is engaging in antisocial behaviour or even engaging in drugs and you keep shielding them, just know that behaviour will affect you one day. Seek help or even report to the authorities so they can be salvaged early,” she said.
By Florence Kinyua
