Public perception on political enmity and hatred is fueled mostly by leaders. However, perceived political enmity between leaders fuels political hatred and political intolerance. It's appalling to note that each leader's foot soldiers and supporters are willing to sacrifice greatly for their leaders especially in Kenya. Why is this the case? Why does political leaders have such a hold on their supporters who sometimes are willing to maim and kill on their behalf sometimes without being asked to? It goes back to our brand of politics. Excursionist and tribal politics fuels this political animosity. For instance, when Raila says in Nyamira that the IDP's in central Kenya were paid better than the IDP's in The greater Nyanza region, it creates insecurity for people in centralKenya and animosity by the Kisii for people in central Kenya. This is not the only case. In Kericho, Raila would claim that tea farmers in Kericho are paid less than what tea farmers in central Kenya earns. Which is still untrue because tea is marketed and sold by one national body; KTDA. Continually, this exclusionist doctrine, is spread and fueled by fear and entitlement. It creates hardline stance against political sides. Unfortunately, the political class most of whom, their interests are self serving never appear to be the perpetrators but "fighters" and galant champions of good governance and equality. However, when the same leaders, who hold gravely divergent political views are seen publicly to hold hands, share a good laugh and hang out together, it diffuses the animosity amongst their supporters. Recent pictures of Uhuru holding hands with Raila and walking together in the burial of Maj Gen Nkaiserry and that of Ruto and Raila sharing the VIP lounge at Kasarani during the IAAF under 18 championships are trending in the social media and with many hardline supporters of both sides of the divide agreeing that political differences shouldn't make Kenyans real life enemies. We need more of such moments for our leaders to dispel the misnomer and fallacies that enmity is the only way to play politics. It is also incumbent upon Kenyans to understand that they shouldn't allow their leaders to have an almost cultic hold on them. Free thinking and should be encouraged and reason prevail each time there is the temptations to spread hate.

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