When preparing to vote in democratic elections, citizens must ask themselves which candidates, if elected, will give themselves to serve the office, and which candidates will use the office to serve themselves?

On Tuesday, the citizens of Kenya will cast their votes for president. The giving and taking question has already been answered. Current Deputy President William Ruto openly identifies himself as the "Hustler-in-Chief." Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has maintained his family's legacy in working with integrity for a free and independent Kenya. His father was a principled leader in the movement to bring Kenya out from under British control.

Polling at 41%, Odinga is three percentage points over Ruto. That difference is within the margin of error and not all people who answer polling questions take the time to vote. Two other candidates, George Wajackoyah and David Mwaure Waihiga, are polling in the single percentiles and will certainly pull votes away from the front-runners.

One key factor that voters should consider is the candidate running for Deputy President on the Odinga ticket. Martha Karua has built her reputation on integrity and preservation of Kenyan dignity.

The U.S. was fortunate at the beginning of the 20th Century when Vice-President Teddy Roosevelt was suddenly called upon to lead the nation. Also a person of great integrity and courage, he led the fight of the working people of America and took on corruption wherever it existed.

Kenya has had problems with scandals and the perception of corruption. Often it has involved Deputy President Ruto. "Hustler-in-Chief" is not a good title, no matter how Ruto may try to twist it around. He did come from humble beginnings, did work his way into wealth, and serves as living proof that "the ends do not justify the means".

The tip of the iceberg in the "Hustler-in-Chief's" money and power-grabbing schemes includes deceiving public officials into turning property over to Ruto which he then used for building a Westin Hotel next to an airport, a land grab from a children's school, and dubious acquisition of 900 acres of land. Per court ruling, Ruto was forced to compensate a victim for illegal seizure and eviction. These are just a few of the scandals that are known, never mind those yet undiscovered.

American President Reagan pointed out that freedom is always one generation from being lost. Russia found that out the hard way with the rise of an organized crime boss taking over Moscow. The people of Russia, Europe, and the world are paying the consequences of that right now.

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a strong message to the people of Kenya by supporting opposition leader Odinga over his own Deputy Ruto. Like Odinga, Kenyatta's father was a critical participant in Kenyan independence. The sons have politically opposed each other over the decades.

The fate of Kenya runs deep through their bloodlines. Kenyatta knows what motivates Odinga, and he knows what motivates his own deputy and former running mate. Kenyatta is putting the future of his homeland first. Kenyatta also understands from being President he did not have an advantage that, if elected, Odinga will possess. Unlike Kenyatta's situation, Odinga will have a successor who can be trusted to not turn Kenya into a criminal enterprise.

On Tuesday, the people of Kenya will be called upon to make a choice. It is not just a choice for themselves, it's a choice for the children of their country for generations to come. Kenya is a country of great people and possesses great natural wealth. That wealth must be developed in the best interest of all citizens, not just those who will use their power for personal gain.

Throughout the continent, illegal and immoral colonization was brought to an end by the grandfathers of most Africans of today. Ever since its independence, Kenya has been a nation respected for its reform and progress. Unfortunately, that reform now needs a boost. It's not going to get it if the wrong choice is made for President, and in turn, Vice-President.

Colonel (Retired) Wes Martin is a career law enforcement officer. He has conducted investigations on three continents.

Kenya Elections