Back to the Dark Days: A Reflection on Kenya’s Political Climate

 One day, my late political lecturer had an unsettling encounter while waiting to board a light aircraft on police business. The aircraft was delayed for a moment because a passenger was expected, and when the man arrived, it was clear he was struggling to walk, using crutches. My lecturer immediately recognized the man—Martin Shikoku—and the two exchanged waves. This encounter happened during the oppressive era of the Moi regime, a time when political detentions without trial were commonplace.

As the aircraft continued its journey, a stopover was announced at the Manyani Maximum Security Prison, and my lecturer grew increasingly concerned. The fear wasn’t just about being in the presence of a prominent political figure like Shikoku, but the anxiety that someone might start questioning the legitimacy of his involvement in the political climate of that time. His tenure in Western Kenya just before independence had left an indelible mark on people like Shikoku. Thankfully, no immediate consequences followed for my lecturer, though his career suffered—he never received another promotion before retiring years later.

I had the privilege of meeting Martin Shikoku before his passing and had the opportunity to thank him for his contributions to Kenya. While his character changed in his later years, the sacrifices he made for the country are remembered fondly.

Today, many young Kenyans may not fully recognize the signs that suggest we are slipping back into the dark days of authoritarian rule. One of the most glaring indicators is the reemergence of detentions without trial. This practice, once a hallmark of political repression, has unfortunately resurfaced in Kenya today. The case of prominent individuals held without charge or trial, such as the disappearance of Maynanchenga and others, is a stark reminder of Kenya’s painful past.

Another telltale sign of Kenya’s regression is the reappearance of fabricated government stories, often aimed at political manipulation. A notable example from the Moi era was when Vice President George Saitoti fabricated a story about being poisoned, a distraction from the murder of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Robert Ouko. Today, we see similar narratives being spun, such as the dramatic story of the raid on Jomo Kenyatta Junior’s private residence. The government's conflicting statements about the number of weapons found, and the lack of solid evidence, raise serious questions about the integrity of the story.

Even more concerning is the way the government handles such narratives. Police reports often contain discrepancies, and there are instances where “evidence” seems to materialize out of nowhere, only to be used against the accused. For example, the police raid in Watamu, involving Pauline Joroge, raised suspicions of planted evidence to frame political figures and activists.

Many Kenyans, particularly those who have witnessed these events firsthand, are alarmed at how familiar these situations feel. The use of fabricated stories and the targeting of opposition figures are reminiscent of the dark days of the Moi regime. One example is how President Ruto’s public image is being carefully crafted through selective media coverage. When he is heckled, it is swiftly covered up to maintain the narrative that he has widespread support. However, the truth leaks out, as seen in Kisii and other areas where Ruto faced backlash.

The political divide in Kenya is evident, with narratives being manipulated to make it appear as though there is a battle between two sides, each with equal support. Yet, the reality is far from that, as Kenyans are beginning to see through these falsehoods. Events like the recent disturbances in Kisumu have been minimized or misrepresented by those in power, but the evidence of violence and unrest is hard to ignore.

In recent weeks, some members of parliament have taken refuge within Parliament buildings, fearing for their safety due to possible arrests. It’s a situation that mirrors past political repression, where leaders could not speak freely without facing severe consequences.

At the heart of these issues is the question: what is the endgame? What does the government hope to achieve with these tactics? It’s becoming clearer that the current administration’s methods may do more harm than good, not only to the opposition but to the country as a whole. The path forward remains uncertain, but the signs are unmistakable.

As we face this tumultuous period, it’s important to remember the lessons of the past and remain vigilant against the erosion of our freedoms. The current political environment may seem eerily familiar to those who lived through Kenya’s darker times. For those of us who remember, we must continue to fight for a better, more transparent future.

As we continue to witness these unfolding events, I urge you to stay informed, and if you haven’t already, take advantage of the resources available to you, including the critical intelligence briefings I offer. In these uncertain times, staying prepared is key.