Time to end the political charade, focus on issues troubling Kenyans

If you’ve been following Kenyan politics, you’re probably asking yourself one question: Who among our leaders isn’t corrupt?

Tribalism? Check. Misappropriation of funds? Check. And now we’ve got the latest drama brewing over the impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua.

Is this yet another case of smoke and mirrors, or is there some substance to the rumblings we hear?

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Well, that depends on who you ask — but one thing’s for sure: Kenyans have had enough of the blame games and they won’t take it anymore.

It’s ironic, really. At a time when our country faces staggering economic challenges, from the spiralling cost of living to a healthcare transition that is a hot mess, we are back to the old school of political sideshows.

Only this time, the stakes seem higher, and the absurdity is not lost on Kenyans.

With a censure motion against the President himself brewing in the Senate, you have to chuckle and ask, “Is there anyone left who hasn’t been dragged into the mud?”

To be sure, I don’t know if the seemingly grave allegations against the DP are true, neither do I hold a brief for him.

I believe anyone who is corrupt or elevates the tribe above the nation, should not hold public office.

But let’s face it — who is it in our political leadership today, who is worthy to cast the first stone? The truth is, we’ve seen these diversionary tactics before. In times of crisis, just create an enemy, point fingers, and the people will forget the real issues at hand.

They will forget the chaotic healthcare transition, the dubious airport deal, the corruption that stinks to high heavens and the entire laundry list.

But I now believe President William Ruto was absolutely right when he famously said during the last campaigns that ‘wajinga waliisha Kenya’, because there are indeed no fools left in Kenya. Wanjiku is fully awake, and she is making it known, loud and clear!
The so-called public participation sessions staged across the country, have demonstrated clearly that Kenyans are beginning to see right through the charade. We’ve seen young citizens rise up to the politicians and tell them off.

The phrase ‘kufa dereva, kufa makanga’ has acquired fresh relevance –‘ if the driver is going to perish, let the tout perish as well’.

This is a uniquely Kenyan lingo, but it makes the point powerfully – Kenyans are tired, not just of one political leader, but of all of them...

Indeed, the spirit of the Gen Z protests in June and July, has been reignited powerfully.

We’ve seen politicians being taken to task why they did not stage big public participation sessions before signing the Adani airport deals or when they wanted to increase taxes. They have been asked why they did not seek public opinion before rolling out the painful chaos we are witnessing in the health sector today.

In fact, in some places, actual protests marred the public sessions.
I don’t believe that the seeming rejection of the public participation meetings is necessarily a show of support for the DP.

Instead, it is a powerful repudiation of the greed and hypocrisy of the entire political class. It is a warning shot from Wanjiku and a sobering call to order. I pray that the politicians will smell the coffee and get back to the basics.
Let’s focus on the real issues. Let’s address corruption head-on, end tribalism, reduce the high cost of living and please, let us spare the country from this endless cycle of shame.

Kenya deserves nothing less. Leaders are elected to serve, to lead by example, and create a better future for all — not take part in cheap theatrics. Think green, act green.