Emmanuel Juma

In democratic societies, elections are presented as the ultimate expression of freedom. Citizens are encouraged to choose leaders without coercion, guided by conscience, reason, and the national interest. During election seasons, one phrase dominates political rhetoric: “Make a wise decision.” It is a call repeated endlessly by politicians across ideological divides. Yet, beneath its moral appeal lies a contradiction that is rarely interrogated.

In democratic societies, elections are presented as the ultimate expression of freedom. Citizens are encouraged to choose leaders without coercion, guided by conscience, reason, and the national interest. During election seasons, one phrase dominates political rhetoric: “Make a wise decision.” It is a call repeated endlessly by politicians across ideological divides. Yet, beneath its moral appeal lies a contradiction that is rarely interrogated.

“A culture is a total way of life. It embraces what people ate, and what they wore, the way they walked and the way they talked, the manner in which they treated death and greeted the newborn,” (Walter Rodney, author and activist) I came across this quote on a WhatsApp forum and I couldn't help asking myself: do we have a Kenyan culture? If not, why not? And if so, is it still alive? If not, what can be done to revive it?