For political fanatics as myself, this was a week we’ve been counting down to. To ensure you all have the right context, in Kenya, we are currently in the heat of our quinquennial general elections. With roughly 80 days to go, the political scene is getting hotter with every passing second. Emotions are rising every day, every one has a comment to make on this aspirant or the other, the candidates are endlessly looking for their competitors’ flaws, to turn the crowds against them…it’s a rollercoaster of events on this side of the Sahara.

Now back to why we have been looking forward to this week. Monday the 16th, was the set deadline by our electoral body, to have all presidential candidates submit their running mates. I don’t know and I don’t think there has been another general election in Kenyan history that has attracted a huge number of candidates, as this particular one. 47! 1, 2, 3, … , n. With n being 47! Yaani, we have 47 Kenyan citizens vying for presidency. Well, in as much as there are that many aspirants, we all know farasi ni wawili 🤣. (I actually want to find out where this phrase came from. If you have an idea, let me know). I can only imagine how long that ballot paper will be, if all these qualify to get to the ballot.

We therefore were all waiting for these two farasis to announce their running mates. Personally, I was so tensed, that one would think my life was at stake 😂.

Monday 16th was such a happy day for me, because one of the two top aspirants, named a lady as his running mate. I truly believe that that is such a win for ladies in politics. In as much as many of them would not want to admit it, because they are in a different camp, this specific lady has been a pacesetter for women in politics. I mean, she once vied for presidency; the first lady to run for that seat, as a matter of fact. So are we actually going to have a Kenyan ‘Kamala Harris’ moment after August 9th?

I also love the discussion that has been going on about intellectual property, still within the political arena. Nowadays I think a lot about where the line is crossed when it comes to using other people’s art. For instance, in weddings or clubs, do the DJs have exclusive permission by the artists to play their music? When people create these birthday videos with a particular song playing, are they actually illegally using the artist’s work? I do think creatives need to create platforms where they help us learn where the line is drawn and we are therefore better placed in helping them protect their property. Don’t come telling me that I should find out myself, because that is not a field I’m willing to spend my time researching on. At least not now.

With that said, I don’t know why netizens are trolling the aggrieved band. Surely, y’all can’t be bullying a Kenyan band because of politics. Siasa?!? How much lower can one stoop?!? Unfortunately, this is a Kenyan habit that is constantly witnessed during elections. Around this time, you will most definitely find people fighting others because of their political affiliations. (This specific band isn’t affiliated to any political camp) Aii surely, politics should be the last reason you get into a fight with anyone. 2007/08 PEV is a constant reminder of why you should not fight anyone over differing political opinions. The Ocampo six were busy bonding huko Hague and we were left to wallow in our losses. Not them even forming a coalition and coming back to ask for our votes 🤡.

Acha niwapee some unsolicited advice to carry you through this season;

1. Hii ni siasa so achana na makasiriko. After August, it won’t matter on whose side you were.

2. If you need to verbally or physically attack anyone, direct your attack to the aspirants. The rest of us are here for the vibes, the thrill and the drama this season brings.

3. Don’t shade people’s political choices. Shading people’s choices is a sign of immaturity; grow up, please! If you want to convince them to change their mind, you can do so respectfully.

4. Always remember that all these politicians are first chasing their own bags before they think of you.

5. If you are given money to support someone or disrupt their opponent’s rally, take that money! Hii economy haiitikii tukatae pesa😭. However, don’t go disrupting people’s rallies. Respect yourself! As for supporting whoever gives you a 100bob, it is up to you to decide whether you are worth that little or much more.

With all this said, I can authoritatively say that I’m looking forward to watching my favorite ‘horse’ being sworn in 😌. Kwanza nitakuwa Nyayo (or is it Kasarani?), hapo front row😂. Lazima tuapishe The Fifth!!!