The people of Kenya are the winners - Elections is just an exercise!

As we reflect back on the just concluded elections, my heart and deep appreciation goes to the team that worked behind the scenes to deliver a free, fair and credible election. We must note that we have not had any issues arising from the voting process, all issues are arising from the tallying process. As I have always said, we have the people who vote and those who count the votes. It is unfortunate that the people who count the votes can decide whether your vote counts or not. In Wafula Chebukati’s speech he specifically said “For those who will come, I have prepared for you what the constitution envisioned from us, an independent commission”. My understanding of this, in future, once you vote, it counts at the point of voting. Tallying becomes a public exercise that can be done by anyone around the world.

I am a firm believer in systematic transparent processes and what this election tested was exactly that. I think we can give IEBC a score anywhere above 70% based on your biases… basically way above average and with room for improvement. The world watched patiently and with everyday that passed the confidence about our democracy increased. The aftermath of the election results greatly demonstrated the sanity of the Kenyan people – a clear statement – we can’t be used anymore- we still have bills to pay, a life to lead and a country to protect.

I want to believe that this is also going to be reflected in our different levels of government. In due time, it will not matter so much so who you elect in office because the room to wiggle will be limited by a series of systematic transparent processes. The big challenge to those elected into office is whether they can put such systems in place where they don’t exist.

To my fellow Kenyans, I am proud to be one of you. And yes, our country is bigger than any one of us.