The Cycle of African Exploitation and Political Deception: A Call for Change

The other day, I came across a statement about Africa and Africans that truly floored me because of its raw truth. It went: “People don’t come to the poorest continent in the world to make money.” Think about it: Is Africa poor or rich? If it’s true that Africa is rich, then what exactly is the problem?

While there are many contributing factors, I believe the biggest issue lies in the current political crisis, particularly evident in Kenya today. The colonial tactic of divide and rule continues to haunt us. This strategy, historically used by colonial powers to conquer our ancestors, is alive and well. It pits us against each other, making the truth, the will of the people, and their wishes irrelevant. When elections end, the message becomes clear: “Move on, forget it.”

To those in political leadership—those who pursue power for personal gain at the expense of the masses—this should serve as a sobering reminder: History will judge you harshly. It will judge you, your children, and future generations for the fleeting gains you achieved at the cost of an entire nation’s progress.

But let’s step back and look at history for a moment. Why did the colonizers scramble for Africa in the first place? Historians offer many explanations, but one significant trigger occurred in the 14th century, when Mansa Musa, leader of Mali and the richest human ever known, embarked on his pilgrimage to Mecca. He carried so much gold and distributed it so generously that the world took notice. Africa’s wealth was undeniable, and soon, outside powers began their conquest.

The trend didn’t end with colonization. Consider leaders like Patrice Lumumba of Congo. Elected overwhelmingly by the people, Lumumba sought a better future for his nation. But external powers, threatened by his vision, used his own comrade, Mobutu Sese Seko, to overthrow him. Similarly, Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso transformed his country in just four years, striving for self-sufficiency and economic freedom. Yet, he too was betrayed and assassinated through the efforts of his close ally, Blaise Compaoré.

Back to Kenya. Some of us are being used, knowingly or unknowingly, to fight against our own progress. A case in point is Raila Amolo Odinga. Whether you agree with his politics or not, Raila has a proven record of sacrifice for Kenya—choosing peace and saving lives even when power was within reach. Yet, he’s demonized as “power-hungry.” Why? Because those who fear genuine, transformative leaders will stop at nothing to discredit them.

To anyone who insists, “This is my own opinion; nobody influenced me,” I ask you to reflect. Education is meant to sharpen our ability to think critically and analyze situations independently. Yet, in recent years, our education system has produced individuals who struggle to think for themselves. Instead, propaganda thrives, shaping our emotions and perceptions.

The reality is that manipulation runs deep. It influences how we think, what we believe, and even how we act against our own interests. To give an example: Decades ago, it was nearly impossible to convince some Kenyans that poverty existed in Europe or the U.S. They believed the propaganda. That’s how powerful brainwashing can be.

The same tactics are used today. Outside forces continue to influence elections in Kenya, just as they have since Independence. They manipulate narratives, orchestrate deals, and steer events behind closed doors. Yet, many refuse to see it, even when evidence is clear.

At this point, the challenges we face are beyond human capacity. Only God Almighty can help Africa and Kenya overcome this cycle of division, betrayal, and exploitation. Until we realize that our real enemies are those who use us against ourselves, we will remain trapped in a cycle that benefits others while leaving us impoverished.

It’s time to wake up and think critically. It’s time to reject manipulation and embrace leaders who genuinely care for the people. Only then can Africa—and Kenya—realize its true potential.