seven things i learnt from political party nominations

• 1.  Balkanization in Kenya continues unabated

The zoning of particular counties and regions has shown that Kenya is fast becoming a balkanized country. URP, ODM, wiper and TNA each had their own regions where winning the nominations was enough. This proves that national unity is fast becoming a pipe dream

• 2.     In an era of weak, personalized political parties, party defections are a good thing

The political parties of Kenya remain personal objects of the ‘’ bigwigs’’ such as Rail, Kalonzo and Uhuru. Hence their relatives, friends and cousins are always assured of winning the nominations. The only way to circumvent this is through defections. If the voice of the people is to be heard in Othaya, Siaya and Nakuru, then the politicians have to be prepared to defect from the political parties.

• 3.       The marginalized regions in Kenya are not interested in politics.

It has always been my view that there are certain regions in Kenya that are no longer interested in politics. Coast province, north eastern and parts of northern rift valley recorded the lowest voter turnouts in the land. This shows that these regions are moving out of the political dynamics. The citizens of these areas have realized that they cannot win in politics, hence why take part in the nominations?

• 4.       Demagogues are stoking the interests of the underclass: the middle class is running scared

The wins of Sonko and Waititu have heralded the end of tribalism in many parts of the land. This is a major issue since it means that the lower classes are no longer voting according to one’s last name. For many days, Kenyans have been complaining on how tribalism will be the death of us. But tribalism remains a lesser devil than classism!

• 5.       Voters are very passionate about politics and democracy

Despite the ridiculous disorganization, corruption and theft that characterized the party nominations, many voters lined for hours to cast their ballots. In areas such as Othaya and Siaya, they were ready to demonstrate immediately it became obvious that their voice was being silenced. This shows that democracy in Kenya remains strong.

• 6.       Politics makes everything in Kenya come to a standstill

Schools were closed, businesses shut down and jobs missed during the nominations. One can only fear about what will happen during the general elections on March 4^th.

• 7.       Do we overestimate the power of social media in Kenya?

Reading the comments, updates and tweets on Kenya’s vibrant online community, one would have been sure that the likes of jimnah Mbaru were winning on a landslide. However, this did not materialize. Does this mean that the middle class is not voting? Or are those of us not online more than those on it?  Opinion is divided.

those are my thoughts anyway. do you agree with me, or differ? kindly let me know your thoughts below in the comments section.