Kenya's Political Climate: International Day of Conscience Calls for Ethical Decision-Making and Dialogue

Police confront protesters in Embakasi

The International Day of Conscience, observed on April 5 every year, is a day to promote the importance of ethical decision-making and conscientiousness in all aspects of life, including politics. In Kenya, this day comes at a time when the country's political climate is at a delicate juncture, with tensions between the government and opposition running high. As a result, the day offers a chance for the nation to reflect on the current political situation and the importance of ethical leadership.

Kenya has a long history of political unrest, with previous elections marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging. The most recent presidential election in 2022, a closely contested race, was no exception. The opposition party claimed that the election had been rigged in favor of the incumbent president, William Ruto, leaving the country deeply divided along political lines.

 Months into President William Ruto's term, the opposition organized protests to demand electoral justice, constitutional reforms, and a reduction in the high cost of living plaguing the nation. This was despite a Supreme Court decision upholding the election results. The protests were met with a heavy-handed response from the police, resulting in several deaths and injuries. Journalists were up in the melee while reporting and several of them came under fire from both the police and the protesters.

 In the wake of the protests, President Ruto offered to engage in dialogue with the opposition and address their concerns despite his previous hardline stance. The opposition led by the Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, welcomed the opportunity for constructive dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. 

 This development is significant as it shows that there is still hope for the country to move forward peacefully and democratically. It also highlights the importance of ethical decision-making and conscientiousness in politics. By choosing to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence, the government and opposition have shown that they are committed to finding a peaceful resolution to their differences. 

 However, it is important to note that genuine dialogue and meaningful engagement can only take place in an environment of trust and transparency. Both sides must be committed to ethical decision-making and prioritizing the common good over personal gain. This means acknowledging past mistakes, promoting accountability, and putting the interests of the people first. 

 As Kenya marks the International Day of Conscience, it is a timely reminder of the need for ethical leadership and the importance of putting the needs of the people first. The country has made progress in recent years in terms of economic growth and development, but this progress can only be sustained if there is a commitment to good governance and democratic principles. To do this, they must hold their leaders accountable, support ethical decision-making, and prioritize the common good over personal gain.

 Moving forward, all stakeholders need to continue to engage in dialogue and work towards building a more inclusive and just society.