Politicians praise Kenyans for braving 2020, express hope for better days

Politicians have hailed Kenyans for their resilience in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic and expressed their hope for a better 2021.

In their new year messages, Raila Odinga (Orange Democratic Movement), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Democratic Movement), Musalia Mudavadi (Amani National Congress) and Council of Governors Chair Wycliffe Oparanya, who is Kakamega Governor, said there is hope as Kenyans usher in the new year.

“2020 was difficult. We thank the almighty for standing with us. I salute Kenyans for the resilience shown,” he said

Mr Odinga said: “While 2020 was difficult for us all, let’s look back with the hope that better days are ahead. There is hope and much work to be done,” Mr Odinga said.

He urged the public to embrace the hope that even though the world faces historic challenges, “we have the capacity, courage and determination to rise, fight back and overcome”.

“We have never been known to throw our hands up in surrender against challenges. The present situation should not be different. Let’s continue praying and working for the well-being and prosperity of our country,” the former Prime Minister said.

Mr Musyoka also noted that despite 2020’s challenges, Kenyans held out against all odds and kept hope alive.

“We have held steadfastly onto the Kenyan spirit of optimism and our trust and faith in God remains unshaken,” he said.

“I urge you all, my dear brothers and sisters, to keep up the optimism, faith and resilience as we usher in 2021. Clearly, the worst of Covid-19 is behind us. With reports of new vaccines coming up, we can only hope for the best. In this regard, I call upon the government to lobby for affordable vaccines that will not be out of reach for the common mwananchi.”

He cautioned, however, that despite the good news about the vaccines, Kenyans should not drop their guard.

“Covid-19 is still with us. It continues to ravage towns and rural areas alike. Please do not stop wearing masks, sanitising and keeping social distance. We must keep [observing] these precautions until this deadly disease is fully contained. It still portends a great danger to our lives. We must stay ever alert,” the former Vice-President advised.

Political temperatures

Given that 2020 also witnessed heightened political temperatures arising from by-elections as well as the Building Buildings Initiative (BBI) report, Mr Musyoka called on Kenyans to fully embrace the spirit of nationhood.

“We may differ in principle but we are all Kenyans. The ideals that unite us are greater than the imaginary walls that divide us. We must never let partisan political interests take precedence over nationalism.”

Mr Mudavadi also urged strict adherence to the anti-virus rules.

“Protecting oneself cannot be enforced. It requires self-discipline. Vaccines may be on the way but they are not useful to those already Covid-19 positive,” he said.

“Despite empty pockets, wear a mask, wash hands, keep your distance and avoid crowded places to which politicians are likely to draw you without protection.”

Mr Mudavadi further said the future may look bleak but “our kindred spirit will see us through”.

“The traditional ‘Happy New Year’ goodwill message may sound insincere on the backdrop of the hard times we live in. However, it is in times of gloom that the true character of a Kenyan is manifested,” he said.

“We are a generally warm, optimistic and resilient people. The majority of you are already looking at 2020 as a memory and at 2021 with hope. This is the spirit that will see us overcome the Covid-19 devastation and economic destitution. No one can wipe the new year cheer from our faces.”

He also cited challenges including the locust invasion, floods and droughts, and the staggering economy precipitated by Covid-19.

“It is not easy to recount the personal anguish of Kenyans without feeling guilty that, as leaders, we did too little to halt and arrest the hurt,” he said.

Failing government

Regarding the state of the economy, the ANC boss said: “Kenyans who have lost livelihoods deserve the truth. Covid-19 did not cause our economic decay but only accelerated it. The government went into a borrowing extravaganza. The more dangerous the debt exposure the government ran into, the more borrowing it signed on until the troubles we face today exploded.”

He further said the government’s inability to meet health workers’ demands for basic safety measures against Covid-19 is a sign that Kenyans should brace themselves for a tough year.

“A paralysed health system is a national security threat. The government is inevitably abetting the spread of Covid-19, but austerity measures should not immobilise citizens,” he said.

On taxation, he noted that many people have already lost their jobs.

“Those still in employment need every coin to see them through high prices of basic goods,” he said, adding that most Kenyans are staring at a void after losing their sources of livelihoods in 2020.

“Covid-19 is still unrelenting as fatigue competes with anti-Covid-19 regulations,” he said, reiterating the need for caution and vigilance among Kenyans.

Mr Oparanya said he is optimistic that with the availability of Covid-19 vaccines, the country will win the war.

He regretted that the virus has killed many, caused suffering and adversely affected the economy.

He lauded the government for its close working relationship with counties in the fight against the pandemic.