The Government’s Time is Running Out: A Lesson from History

The government is running out of time—what does that mean? How can anyone claim that when state machinery is in their control, and they wield power? Let me explain.

There’s a critical factor that keeps any government in power, one the UDA administration has failed to recognize. Even President Moi, despite being a dictator, understood this. When pressure mounted for multi-party democracy in the early 1990s, Moi surprised everyone by conceding, saying, “Let’s have multi-party back in Kenya.” He understood that when a people are united in a single voice, no government—no matter how strong—can resist.

Today, Kenya faces a similar cry across the nation: a demand for electoral justice and frustration over the high cost of living. Few Kenyans believe President Ruto won the election fairly. Combined with rising poverty, the removal of food subsidies, and an indifference toward citizens’ struggles, this creates an unprecedented unity—one that transcends political divides. Even those who previously opposed Raila Odinga now support him because they are simply fed up.

Governments stay in power when people are divided. When the people unite, however, history shows that even the strongest regimes fall. Colonialists knew this, the Roman Empire knew this, and even Moi knew this. But the UDA government seems unaware. Instead of addressing people’s concerns—such as food prices—they focus obsessively on Raila and his coalition, Azimio.

The government could have acted swiftly to address the economic crisis. Food subsidies, for example, would have provided immediate relief and broken Azimio's momentum. But by ignoring the cries of struggling Kenyans, the UDA administration has fueled desperation among citizens—a dangerous situation for any government.

Now, as protests loom, Ruto’s absence from the country resembles Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision in January 2018 during Raila’s symbolic swearing-in. Whether precautionary or strategic, it highlights growing tensions. Should the protests escalate, Ruto could deflect responsibility, leaving Gachagua to face the fallout.

Time is not on the government’s side. Ignoring the united voice of the people could prove fatal, as history has shown. The UDA leadership must shift focus from political rivalry to addressing the pressing struggles of ordinary Kenyans. Failure to do so will only hasten the government’s decline.