Kenyans queue up to vote in a past voting exercise.Here are a few tips to keep you safe at this electioneering period.[Photo/PBS]
Kenyans are known to be a politically active lot.Most of them who are eligible to vote have their affiliations and preferred leaders and candidates backed up by their own reasons and this, can at times lead to collisions here and there with supporters of the opposing camps.
However, here are 3 ways to stay safe from such collisions and ensure that peaceful co-existence remains now, during and after the approaching August general elections
Mind your own business
Do not get into arguments which you were not part of from the beginning.Currently, you are likely to get a few people here and there gathered together talking and in most occasions arguing about who is best for this or that or why this one should or should not be elected for a particular post.This is very common in newspaper vending stores in most parts of the nation.Even though you might find that your preferred leader is the one on the receiving end in that debate, mind your own business and go on your way to avoid a possible encounter.
Be tolerant
Understand that Kenya is made up of different types of people from different backgrounds and with varying political affiliation.Accept your neighbor, mate or colleague despite their political affiliations.Failure to may lead to unreasonable enmity which could threaten your future co-existence.
Keep it to yourself
Of course you prefer this or that politician for that post and of course, you have reasons for your decision.Its however wise to keep quiet about it and let your vote speak for you in the ballot box come the D-Day.Should there come a point where you have to publicly announce it, do it respectfully and avoid attacking his/her opponent(s) as this may arouse anger or hatred from their supporters.
The elections will come and go but the nation will still be intact so let's all approach the exercise with sobriety and acknowledge the fact that our neighbors and colleagues are our closest helpers and we will still be there long after the exercise.