The Unseen Patterns of Political Power in Kenya

 

 We've often highlighted how effective political analysis can be when one looks for recurring patterns. In life, recognizing patterns can also help you avoid problems. If someone is hiding something, being observant and noticing a pattern can reveal what’s meant to stay hidden. Recently, the dramatic resignation of Esther Mumbi Nero, a former permanent secretary in the current administration, has caught attention and sparked curiosity among many. The big question is: Why did she resign so soon after working so hard to secure the position?

One local daily recently reported on the possible reasons behind her resignation, but the reaction from Dennis Itumbi, a notable figure, was to dismiss the story as false and fabricated. His response left me somewhat confused, as I believe that when a story is called inaccurate, the person making the claim should explain why. Simply saying that a newsroom is lazy or journalists are creating stories out of thin air doesn't suffice. Nevertheless, there’s a pattern in this so-called fabricated story, one that aligns with similar stories circulating about the inner workings of the administration.

Here’s what I’ve noticed: In the case of Esther Mumbi Nero, her resignation followed a serious clash with another permanent secretary, Aurelia Rono. Similarly, Dr. Josephine Buro, a former Ministry of Health official, was dismissed after a heated disagreement with PS Peter Tom. Another example involves CS Ali Sihome, who was reportedly furious after a development project was moved from the Mount Kenya region to another area, leading to a confrontation with a man named Rono. The pattern is undeniable: clashes within the administration often lead to career setbacks or exits.

Reflecting on Kenya’s political history, I recall the days when President Daniel arap Moi left office. Those in their 40s today were naive teenagers back then, while those in their 30s were still children. Some, like myself, were already working in the media. In the 90s, I briefly left journalism and started my own public relations firm. One of my first clients was an Asian businessman selling speed governors, a device designed to control the speed of vehicles, particularly public service vehicles. He had a contract with the Kenyan government, but his success was tied to his partnership with a man from Mount Kenya, who was his contact within the government.

One evening, my client’s partner drunkenly disparaged a certain community that controlled the government, and within days, the government rescinded a directive requiring speed governors in all public service vehicles. My client, left with large stocks of the devices, faced financial ruin. The lesson here is clear: in Kenya, political power and community ties often dictate business success. Even a careless remark could derail your career.

Now, back to the present. Esther Mumbi Nero, before joining the government, worked for a company called Dalbit Petroleum, owned by Kenyan billionaire Humphrey Kariuki. Her resignation from the administration raises questions about how her departure will impact Kariuki’s interests, especially given that some of his past legal challenges have mysteriously disappeared under the current government. As she was brought in to help manage public service performance, her resignation could lead to repercussions, including blowback for the government.

This situation echoes a broader trend: if you come from the Mount Kenya region and are involved with this administration, you are in for trouble, whether you realize it now or not. History seems to be repeating itself. The current government is determined to crush the Jubilee Party, whose base is predominantly from Mount Kenya. The signs are clear, and those who are close to power may not fully understand the impending consequences.

To further illustrate, let’s take a look at the case of Esther Mumbi Nero again. Her resignation might signal upcoming tensions between her former employer, Humphrey Kariuki, and the government. If this scenario unfolds as anticipated, it will add to the long list of politically motivated challenges that many individuals have faced in Kenya’s political landscape.

In conclusion, the patterns in Kenya's politics are not just about individual stories; they reflect a broader system where political allegiances and community affiliations play a pivotal role in one’s fate. The current administration’s moves, particularly regarding Mount Kenya’s influence, suggest that political and business leaders may soon face a tough reality.

For those interested in deeper insights, I invite you to explore my latest intelligence briefing, where I cover highly sensitive topics such as political assassinations and how these patterns have shaped Kenya’s political history. It’s essential to understand these dynamics, and my detailed analysis in this report will provide the context needed to make sense of current events.