Political Leaders should tone down Verbal War

By: Joseph Kamau Kiragu 

Political campaigns continue to heat up as the clock ticks towards the August 9 general election. A significant number of politicians are seen criss-crossing the country in the line of selling their agendas to the public.

However, there is an exponential rise of expressions that may plant fear, violate the dignity of the target group, or stir up hostility and division between the people of different ethnic groups. It is worth noting that the ongoing war of words in the political spectrum is propelling this nation ever closer to the past years, and we all know what happened, since it is well recorded.

Well, it’s the right of every politician to hold rallies in any part of this country as they need to express their thoughts and catch the public attention. They have the freedom to enjoy the freedom of expression, and indeed as a politician, it’s naïve to remain silent to your rivals since it can be more injurious.

However, it’s a moral responsibility for politicians to consider their words wisely. It is high time for the politicians to make some changes and watch very wisely what they alter during the campaign rallies. They should manage their behaviours, particularly during the electoral campaign period, and keep off from words that might invite hatred and expressions that may hamper peaceful living and that can wear down social fabric.

Consequently, every politician should not use stigmatized and inflammatory language to sell their agendas, since this can pose a severe menace to human rights. Essentially, it is vitally important to note that a dangerous language has also been developing Online among the allies of political leaders.

Such language is dangerous because it reduces the victim’s self-confidence and can act as a catalyst towards violence. We are all yearning for an election campaign that is peaceful, and that will ignite a peaceful general election. Verbal war is preventable, and it is possible for all politicians to catch public attention effectively and sell their agendas at peace.