Kenya’s Leadership Crisis: Beyond Words and Actions

 One of the most pressing challenges in Kenya today is the habit of judging leaders solely by their words rather than their actions. Before August 2022, political discussions often revolved around what leaders said, with many taking their statements as gospel truth. This approach, however, overlooks the critical importance of analyzing what politicians do—and what they don’t say. Politicians worldwide are notorious for using rhetoric to mask their true intentions, making it essential to scrutinize their actions and body language for a more accurate assessment.

In recent times, Kenyans have begun shifting focus to actions rather than words. However, the political landscape remains murky, with some citizens still misled by crafty maneuvers. A striking example is the ongoing confrontation between President William Ruto’s administration and Kenya’s Judiciary. While the government frames its criticisms of the Judiciary as a fight against corruption, the real motive appears to be undermining constitutional checks and balances that hinder its agenda. Ironically, this Judiciary, despite its flaws, played a pivotal role in legitimizing the current regime during a highly controversial election.

The attack on the Judiciary highlights an unsettling truth: the regime views the Constitution and legal frameworks as obstacles rather than guides. By intimidating the Judiciary, the administration seeks to weaken institutional resistance, allowing unchecked implementation of its plans. These plans, often marketed as solutions for Kenyans’ welfare, remain untested and inconsistent, raising concerns about their efficacy and integrity.

The troubling state of governance extends beyond legal battles. Recent incidents of political violence, such as the targeting of Kisii Governor Simba Arati, reveal a government willing to use force to silence dissent. Such actions echo the darker days of former President Daniel arap Moi’s regime, when state-sponsored violence and tribal clashes were tools of political control. However, today’s challenges appear graver, with a leadership that exhibits alarming immaturity and a lack of wisdom necessary for national governance.

This immaturity is not merely about age but also character and behavior. Traits such as arrogance, lack of empathy, and deceit have become disturbingly evident. These characteristics align with symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder, a mental condition marked by an inflated ego and disregard for others. This raises a chilling possibility: could some elements within Kenya’s leadership be grappling with deeper psychological issues that hinder their capacity to govern effectively?

Kenya finds itself at a precarious crossroads. Leadership driven by self-interest and immaturity poses a significant threat to national stability and development. Understanding these dynamics requires deeper awareness, including research into the psychological patterns that may influence political behavior. As citizens, the onus is on Kenyans to remain vigilant, hold leaders accountable, and advocate for governance that prioritizes the nation’s well-being over personal ambitions.

In the face of these challenges, one thing is clear: Kenya’s survival as a stable democracy may ultimately depend on divine intervention and collective action by its people.