Hate mongering is the new way to fame for politicians as 2017 general elections draw near. Politicians are gearing up in readiness to defend their seats while others are warming up to occupy parliament for the first time to replace those they feel have not been up to the task.
Some of the politicians have resorted to using archaic means to remind the electorates of their existence as their development score card fails them since they engaged in more talk and less work.
Over the past few months, hate mongering by most politicians ranging from governors, senators, MPs, Women Representatives and MCAs has been on the increase with few cases being reported as the rest who are not exposed by the media go scot-free.
In carrying out its mandate as the watchdog, the media has given these hate mongers free publicity even those that have been dormant only to hit the headlines but for controversial reasons.
Recently, a senator who is known to very few people, perhaps only those he represents, was put under fire and hit the headlines after attempting to create a rift between two communities.
Barely a fortnight ago, ‘The Pangani Six’ were arrested in a bid to curb hate spewing as the menace seems to dominate every public function the leaders attend.
Following media coverage and the publicity they got, some politicians are now devising ways to create controversies and get media coverage to pave way for the heated campaigns that are gradually picking.
The trend, therefore, calls on the voters to decide on eligibility of politicians based on not how popular they are but development records they have set to be eligible for another term.
As these politicians dine and wine in posh hotels, the ordinary mwananchi needs to live peacefully with those around them as the politicians stir trouble for self interests.