Samuel Poghisio: Why Kenyan voters regret their elected leaders

Former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio. [David Njaaga, Standard]

In every election, leadership and accountability are the cornerstones that define the strength and integrity of a society.

Voters hold the power not only to choose leaders but also to shape the future of their communities and nation. However, decisions made at the ballot box often lead to regret, sometimes within mere months of new leaders taking office.

Recently, this has become increasingly evident as Kenyans across the country express discontent with various leaders, including President William Ruto.

Former ICT Minister Samuel Poghisio highlights a recurring issue; Kenyan voters repeatedly elect leaders they know to be incompetent and unlikely to fulfill their promises.

Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, August 21, the former Senate Majority Leader argued that voters often glorify leaders who are financially better off, disregarding their merit and questionable character. This tendency, he suggests, is a major factor behind the widespread disillusionment that sets in once these leaders assume office.

"Kenyans often elect politicians they do not trust. As long as someone is financially elevated, the matter of trust seems to be disregarded," Poghisio said.

He added, "many of the people you see in parliament, just three months into their term, have likely already been rejected by the public because they make grand promises but disappear once in office."

Poghisio emphasised that while trust is central to politics, politicians have exploited their financial influence to sway public opinion. This creates a situation where voters are willing to overlook their distrust in exchange for small financial incentives.

According to the former lawmaker, votes are not merely a reflection of personal preferences but a commitment to the collective well-being of society. He argues that understanding the gravity of this responsibility is crucial, as the leaders elected today will make decisions that have lasting effects for generations.

Voting with accountability means more than just casting a ballot; it’s about making informed choices that align with our values and the long-term vision we have for our society.

Poghisio believes Kenyans must be educated to prioritize competence over financial inducements during elections to ensure that elected leaders can truly deliver on their promises.