By Shazia Majale,
NAIROBI, Kenya: Kenyans are on a quest to put their house in order, but unlike a house where furniture and appliances are rearranged and upgraded, they actually intend to overhaul it.
Over the years, Kenya has had a breed of politicians who are banal and pathetic, if not basic, in their demeanor, dress, speeches, strategies, and overall conduct.
If they’re not promising, it’s lies or meager handouts with little to show in achievements.
In the developments, there is a trope very noticeable from county to county or rather project to project. An average citizen is baffled at the lack of originality and creativity despite having savant professionals in the country.
To further water down the experience, the launching events are characterized by spiels that are bad enough that we can recite them from launch to launch.
Opulence and arrogance adorn a Kenyan politician, and although Kenyans have put up with this unmitigated gall, the political class underestimated the uprising lurking in the shadows.A social media account, hashtags, and the will of the majority would send the August house flummoxed.
No soul thought crafty is being spared in this overhaul.
Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, found himself in the crosshairs of the youthful and old alike for making some decisions that didn’t sit well with the purpose of civic disobedience. The governors are self-effacing in an attempt not to draw attention to themselves, but the little they do, the more scrutiny the public has.
The public is rallying together, demanding better governance, accountability, and competence, and seemingly nothing is standing in their way. We have heard the president’s harangue evolve into hyperboles, promises for better, somewhat remorseful speeches, and actions, but somehow, they are still unsatisfactory.
Amidst the activism, we have remembered to mourn with the bereaved, comfort the disheartened, party, take mental breaks, make fun of this whole situation, and most importantly, celebrate wins while we keep up with the demands.
The inspids occupying the public offices have all been put under notice as a step-by-step revolution keeps gaining traction. From ChatGPT bots on all kinds of tenders by the government and graft cases to individual inadequacies, a Kenyan is provided with all the information needed on their leaders. The Executive, the legislature, and the devolved government.
At the president’s behest, the controversial Finance Bill was dropped, and the Cabinet Secretaries were dismissed along with a few other steps. Still, deprived nationals wonder why they have to die, let alone protest before the most basic actions stipulated in the constitution can be performed.
The average politician has lackluster now in the country and while he/she may subterfuge and pander to cling onto something, the Kenyan youth is more determined to undo all the norms we have been accustomed to.
This may be the end of beguiling by politicians.
The church hasn’t been spared either in the unholistic acquittances it has found itself in with the politicians. Through its alters, messages have been propagated, harambees used as a means to lure congregants, and church services reduced to political forums.
The deplatforming campaign has seen many politicians shun Churches and the congregation be glad about Sunday service. The clergy have heeded the call and found their standing amid the subversion taking place.
Corporates and businesses thought to be aiding the government in oppressing the common folk have found themselves in uncomfortable situations. With the public encouraging an economic boycott of businesses associated with politicians.
Some businesses have supported the protests in different ways, and some have minded their business.
Tribalism, clichés, misuse of power and office, verbal diarrhoea, billboards brandishing politicians’ faces on public projects, and a lot more are some of the irks angering Kenyans, and they are on a mission to make sure systems work as they should for the benefit of all and sundry.
