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Is There Hope for Kenya? A Bleak Outlook on Tribalism and Failed Leadership

 Kenya, a nation endowed with immense potential, continues to struggle under the weight of tribalism, corruption, and failed leadership. The hope for a better future dims with each passing administration, as those entrusted with power prioritize self-enrichment over national progress. To understand why Kenya’s situation appears hopeless, we must revisit the mistakes of the past—beginning with the election of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto in 2013.

A Nation That Rewards Impunity

In 2013, Kenyans made a grave mistake: electing two individuals facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their alleged roles in the 2007-2008 post-election violence, which claimed over 1,000 lives. Despite Kenyan law barring individuals with criminal charges from vying for office, Uhuru and Ruto were allowed to run—a clear disregard for the rule of law. Worse, they won, signaling that a majority of Kenyans were willing to overlook serious allegations if it meant their "tribal champions" took power.

Their victory was not a triumph of democracy but a testament to the deep-seated tribalism that dictates Kenya’s politics. Instead of rejecting leaders accused of fueling violence, Kenyans rewarded them with the highest offices, setting a dangerous precedent: impunity pays.

A Government of Empty Promises and Mockery

Uhuru and Ruto campaigned on a "youth for Kenya" platform, yet one of their first acts in office was appointing 90-year-old Moody Awori as Sports Minister—an absurd contradiction that exposed their hypocrisy. Their real agenda was never about serving Kenyans; it was about securing power to shield themselves from the ICC.

Once in office, witnesses mysteriously withdrew, cases collapsed, and allegations surfaced that the ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, had been bribed. Mission accomplished: Uhuru and Ruto escaped justice, but at what cost to Kenya?

The Normalization of Corruption

Under Uhuru’s administration, corruption became so rampant that the president openly mocked the public. His infamous statement—"Sisi tunakula nyama wao wakitamani" (We are eating meat as they watch with desire)—was a brazen admission that his government was looting while the opposition watched, envious but powerless to stop them.

The Eurobond scandal epitomized this looting spree. Billions of dollars were borrowed in Kenya’s name, yet the money never reached the country. When then-Auditor General Edward Ouko demanded accountability, he was threatened and sidelined. Instead of fighting corruption, Uhuru shrugged it off, once stating on live television that Kenya loses KES 2 billion daily to graft. When pressed on what he was doing about it, he shamelessly replied, "What do you expect me to do?"

Such open contempt for accountability would be shocking in a functional democracy, but in Kenya, it was met with little outrage. The public, numbed by decades of corruption, barely reacted. Even when a governor claimed to have bought wheelbarrows at KES 1 million each, there were no consequences.

A Political Class Without Ideology or Shame

Kenyan politics lacks ideology. Leaders do not campaign on policy but on tribal arithmetic and empty slogans. The "youth for Kenya" mantra was never a vision—it was a gimmick. What Kenya needs is meritocracy, not leaders chosen based on age, tribe, or empty promises.

But the bigger question is: Can Kenya’s political class ever be trusted? The evidence suggests no. From looting public funds to openly mocking citizens, leaders have shown that their only interest is power and wealth. And tragically, Kenyans keep enabling them—whether through tribal loyalty, voter apathy, or fear of change.

Conclusion: A Nation Betraying Itself

The situation in Kenya seems hopeless because the people continually betray themselves. They elect corrupt leaders, excuse their failures, and then wonder why nothing changes. Until Kenyans demand accountability, reject tribalism, and refuse to be manipulated by empty rhetoric, the cycle will continue.

Is there hope for Kenya? Perhaps—but not until the citizens themselves decide that enough is enough.

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