Is this the only way to court publicity in Kenyan politics?

Being the talk of town in the political arena is not an easy feat. Even after meeting the threshold for the entry into national politics (a university degree), remaining relevant in the game is somewhat of a code to crack. As is cliché, to make it in the murky world of politics, you have to tread on a few toes. Rather, it is not for the faint hearted.

There are no lasting friends or enemies in politics. One time you are good with person X but come the next term they are your number one public enemy. As such, you learn not to be hard on your enemies and be too nice on your friends either. In fact, the 48 laws of power have it that one ought not put too much trust on friends but instead learn how to use enemies as well. Further, there is a common narrative among the electorate that when their preferred candidate takes to office, they immediately relocate to the city until the next general election. This is very much the case with most politicians which is their great undoing. So why not turn this narrative around and be a "people's person".

The masses love it when a public figure gets down to their level as to have a meal with them in a simple restaurant. Invite a representative of the elderly to your office and do not forget to post photos on social media. Speak in vernacular when addressing your constituents. Use sheng when addressing the youth and people will find a way to connect with you. You will win their hearts.

A mastery of public relations gimmicks will give you an edge over everyone else. According to the 48 laws of power, you ought to learn how to get attention at all cost. What is unseen counts for nothing. Never let yourself get lost in the crowd or buried in oblivion. Stand out and be conspicuous, at all cost. What better way to court attention than result to controversy?

Having a lose mouth when addressing sensitive matters in public, if not being at the forefront when your constituents take to the streets, to fight for their rights hurling stones at the anti-riot police will come in handy. This will definitely make it to the top item in the news and most importantly become the trend of the week.

This seems to be the only way any Kenyan politician should follow in order to court publicity in politics. The question still remains; is this the only way? Can we not have clean politics in Kenya? Until when shall it be like this?