There is no difference between Kenyan politics and shadow plays

President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki after his swearing-in at KICC, Nairobi, on November 1, 2024. [File, Standard]

As the dust settles from a dramatic period in Kenyan politics, during which the office of the deputy president was vacated and swiftly filled within a month, a critical observation emerges: Are Kenyan voters transitioning into spectators of political shadow plays?

This high-profile political drama, characterised by a blend of mediatised quasi-legal proceedings in Parliament and formal legal processes in the courts, thrust the voter into an immersive civic education experience. Many Kenyans, like myself, started quoting constitutional articles, referencing various provisions and even attempting to conclude how the court would rule. These were not the intended outcomes of the political duel, but they have benefited many citizens in deepening their knowledge on what constitutionalism is all about. This is a digression though.

Back to my point. Kenya politics is pretty much like theatre shadow plays. The comparison to shadow plays becomes particularly relevant in Kenya where the rapid turn of political events confuses but also covers a lot of behind-the-screen happenings. In shadow theatre, actors and objects are positioned behind a translucent screen with a strong light source, projecting their silhouettes onto the backdrop. The audience is entertained by the intricate and often captivating shadow images and stories, yet the true identities of the performers remain hidden. Kenyan politics mirrors this form of theatre. Politicians present carefully curated personas to the public, masking their true intentions and capabilities behind media images that we got to see.

For us voters, the high-level political implosion within the Kenya Kwanza government is something we associate with fights over power and resource control. Given the high cost of living, the suffering of patients who cannot afford medical bills and the unemployment of graduates, among other social ills, facing majority of Kenyans, these political shadow plays not only cost the taxpayer a fortune but also show how disconnected elected leaders are from the priorities of the common mwananchi.

Just as actors in a shadow play can transform into various objects or characters, politicians seem adept at adopting similar traits and behaviours to appear as performers. This lack of distinctiveness makes it challenging for voters to distinguish between genuine leaders and those merely performing for approval.

As a result, the ability to evaluate the true effectiveness and commitment of political figures becomes blurred, leaving voters to navigate a landscape where authenticity is hard to discern. Having followed the entire impeachment process, many of us, are amazed at the energy and commitment given to the process while the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), for example, attracts minimal legal and legislative rigour.

Let us dig deeper into the nature of shadow plays. The entertainment value of shadow plays lies in their ability to captivate and transform, allowing actors to assume various forms that enhance storytelling. However, this transformation obscures the actors' true identities, leaving the audience to admire the performance without understanding the person behind it.

Our politics is dangerously becoming shadow plays. Why? Because many voters are beginning to regret realising that the actor on the screen is not the same person they saw campaigning on the ground. This disconnect leaves many uncertain about which politician is truly performing better, even though the political 'screenplay' itself remains quite entertaining. Unlike stage plays or movies, where characters must earn their roles and stand out, the figures in these shadow plays are indistinguishable when met off-stage. Similarly, our politicians are becoming so alike that it is difficult to establish development standards based on their on-stage personas. Each politician is and should be different.

In positive politics, voters should be able to recognise truly deserving political. When the political landscape is dominated by shadow plays, authentic leaders who prioritise service and integrity struggle to stand out. Voters may find it challenging to distinguish between those who genuinely seek to serve and those who are merely performing in a political spectacle.

At the heart of the issue is the need for politicians to shed their masks and engage authentically with the electorate. Genuine service demands transparency, honesty, and a commitment to delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication