Rift Valley Domination and the Growing Discontent in Kenya Kwanza

 One thing that has become abundantly clear in Kenya’s current political landscape is that non-Rift Valley politicians in the Kenya Kwanza government are increasingly uncomfortable in their positions. This growing discontent is evident, with many such politicians feeling sidelined and under siege. Despite their denials, their body language speaks volumes. Take, for example, Ali Swom, who, during her time as the Minister for Water, found herself in direct confrontation with her permanent secretary, who hails from the Rift Valley. This conflict ultimately led to her being removed from the Water docket in a cabinet reshuffle. More recently, there has been drama surrounding Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, further illustrating the tension within the government. These are just a few examples, and the list continues to grow.

This situation is particularly concerning given Kenya’s historical context. Many younger Kenyans may not remember, but during the presidency of the late Daniel arap Moi, even those who were not from the Rift Valley did not feel like outsiders or under attack. In fact, Moi’s cabinet, despite being dominated by his home region, managed to maintain a sense of unity, and ministers from other parts of the country did not feel the pressure that current members of the Kenya Kwanza government are experiencing.

The current government’s fragility is more alarming given that it came into power in a controversial manner. Many argue that it did not have broad national support, and the legitimacy of its victory, especially after the disputed 2022 elections, has been questioned. When a government lacks widespread backing, it must ensure that its cabinet members, particularly those from outside the Rift Valley, feel empowered and supported to avoid alienating key regions. When this does not happen, it can create serious unrest.

Some suggest that the discomfort felt by non-Rift Valley cabinet members is not just a result of internal politics but also the hostile public reception they face on the ground. These officials often meet resistance when trying to implement policies, particularly because the current administration has gained a reputation for heavy taxation, rising living costs, and general economic hardship. With public dissatisfaction running high, it’s no surprise that government officials, particularly those from outside the Rift Valley, face resistance when interacting with their constituencies.

In stark contrast, politicians from the Rift Valley receive a warm welcome from the public, as they represent the region in power. This “my people are in charge” mentality creates a divide that exacerbates the situation. As the discomfort among non-Rift Valley politicians continues to grow, it risks escalating into a more significant political crisis. It is impossible to govern effectively when large portions of the population, particularly those outside the ruling region, are hostile toward the administration.