Hi Millenial Readers,

I hope that you all voted, as it is our democratic right to choose the leaders we want. The results from polling stations across the nation have begun to stream in. I am aware that you are eagerly observing the counting process, and I pray that the leaders you chose will prevail. I am also certain that some of us are discussing various political issues and making predictions about who might win the elections.

However, it is very easy for a political discussion to become emotional in many instances and have severe outcomes. Today, I’d like to discuss the emotional nature of politics and suggest ways to manage it so as not to damage relationships or incite violence.

In reality, politics is a very sensitive subject. Individuals’ political beliefs frequently reflect their deepest convictions about themselves and the world. Furthermore, the majority of individuals find it extremely challenging to separate their beliefs from their identities. In Kenya, individuals have classified themselves according to various political affiliations. In this election, for instance, there are two major candidates for president representing the Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the Azimio Coalition. Each side has devoted supporters willing to do anything for their leaders.

Therefore, when you question such a person or criticize the leaders they support, there is a greater chance that they will perceive a personal attack and become defensive. When this occurs, there is a greater likelihood that it will escalate rapidly, and a person may feel as though they are being attacked rather than their beliefs. This is a serious issue in contemporary politics that makes the political conversation more difficult. Personally, I have engaged in contentious political debates. I have however been attempting to become more accommodating and to have greater emotional control.

Dale Carnegie asserts that humans are emotional creatures. He says, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic but creatures of emotions.” When we deal with emotions, they are often riddled with unconscious bias and insecurities and can lead to needing to compromise between what we want and what another person wants (Forbes).

Thus, it is reasonable that a person can easily become negatively emotional. However, taking these emotions to the next level and acting on them can be dangerous; as we have seen in the past, politics has caused people to fight and kill each other. Sometimes, excessive online hatred has caused so many individuals to dislike politics.

After the results are released, it is a certainty that there will be both losers and winners. However, how people deal with their emotions will have a significant impact on the course of events over the following few days.

I believe that Kenyans have learned from their past mistakes and will never wish for a replay of the past. There have been several peace campaigns. Among other examples, “#tusibleed ndo wa lead.” A big kudos to the Millennials and Gen Zs who have been instrumental in spreading this campaign. Even our leaders have called for peace, which bodes well for our future, a future we are all looking forward to. I’m glad we can have such hope.

Fabian ✌✌✌