Yesterday we all showed up to our polling stations in large numbers. The will to vote for change and the passion to see the current government retain power drove us. Atleast most of us…

The last few months have been politically charged. It has been inevitable to speak about the highly anticipated elections alongside the verbal exchanges by our politicians during the campaigns. Christians have not been left behind.

In February I left school for home to register as a voter. My dad’s condition for sending me bus fare was that I was going to elect the guy preferred by my fellow kinsmen. I didn’t commit to it since I knew I may go against the tide. Then last weekend I came home for voting. It’s interesting how it’s assumed that I was going to vote in my kinsmen’s apple of the eye without being asked what my stand is. Yesterday my grandma kept on insisting that we needed to make our way to the polling station as fast as possible to help the guy win.

We had an argument with my dad and cousin on Monday and they were mesmerized at my level of ‘ignorance’ when they realized I didn’t belong to their political camp. I had to leave since my dad seemed disappointed (and disgusted I guess) by me.

I’ve tried to be as objective as possible throughout this period. I understood that part of my responsibility as a Christian was to vote on merit as opposed to emotionally and along tribal lines. To be honest I didn’t pray about my decision too much. But I thought through the issue critically. I shifted camps severally. Then just last week I settled on who to vote for.

I respect all the people who voted for candidates different from my choice. I trust that they soberly and objectively made the decision. My candidate lost (it was rather obvious to me even as I put a tick against his name). But I’m happy that I stood for my convictions.

I saw people take very strong stands (which is not wrong) and villify candidates they didn’t prefer. I thought that was immature and unchristian. (The villifying part) Maturity is the ability to disagree without villifying one another.

As a Christian I believe that our citizenship is in heaven. No matter who is king in Kenya, Jesus is our KING. What to do? Despair and get frustrated with something that’s already happened? Don’t we have a greater hope in Jesus our King?

Regardless of who gets into power, the Bible has aptly commanded us to obey and pray for those in authority, for every authority is instituted by God. (Romans 13 and 1 Timothy) We may think that the regime that’s going to head is weak and ungodly but in scripture we see God using such regimes for the good of His people and for His glory. It surely didn’t get Him by surprise that the winner would win.

As Kenyan citizens we have a role in keeping peace. Let’s not get caught up in the emotional craze going around, where some are expressing disappointment and frustration in a bit overt ways and others celebrating victory in very insensitive ways. Let’s express emotions within the right and acceptable parameters.

As I’ve already said, my candidate didn’t win. He’s not even among the two famous horses… But it’s not the end of world for me. The realization that I’ll be judged for every careless utterance I use prevents me from being reckless with words. The fact that God is able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of my heart is scary. If I hate He knows. I don’t even have to say it. Motivated by the desire live righteously and the command to love I’ll refrain from any unnecessary arguments and talk. I’ll remain objective as much as I can.

Yo’ guys! Let’s keep peace.