This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
On July 12, 2019, by Gladys Burini, Nation
Parents often react negatively when children question their decisions, but where is the harm in asking questions? Children are not disrespecting their parents; they are seeking to understand the reasoning behind the decision.
This ingrained habit of blind obedience can have a profound impact on a child's development, seeping into the nation's psyche and hindering critical thinking. We are taught to critically analyze situations in higher education, but struggle to apply this in our daily lives.
The result is a nation of adults who make uninformed voting choices, relying on the decisions of others rather than making their own independent decisions. This is evident in the way we endorse candidates without questioning their qualifications or intentions.
Our overreliance on being told what to do starts early, with party nominations often being decided by a single individual. In 2017, many voters chose candidates endorsed by top party leaders, rather than making their own informed decisions.
Can we blame anyone but ourselves when we suffer international embarrassment or our leaders engage in corrupt practices? The lack of independent decision-making is a major contributor to these problems.
As President Uhuru Kenyatta navigates the 2022 presidential election, politicians are urging him to choose a successor. However, if he were to make an unconventional decision, what would the Mount Kenya voters do? The anxiety surrounding former President Moi's home is also a reminder of the importance of independent decision-making.
It's time for us to break free from the habit of blind obedience and teach our children to think critically and make their own decisions. By doing so, we can create a nation of informed, independent thinkers who are capable of making positive changes.
