End of Night: Breaking Free from Kenya’s Toxic Leadership

For years, Kenya has been trapped in a cycle of betrayal, false promises, and manipulation—much like a toxic relationship that refuses to end. Every election, leaders charm us with sweet words, only to disappoint us with corruption, incompetence, and selfish interests. It’s a pattern that feels eerily familiar, like the story Dido tells in her song End of Night.

The song captures the relief of walking away from a destructive relationship, after finally seeing things clearly after years of being deceived. Isn’t that exactly what Kenya needs? We keep giving the same political class second chances, hoping they will change, only to be left heartbroken again. But enough is enough. It’s time to take control.

Recognizing the Signs of a Toxic Leadership

Just as toxic relationships have red flags—lies, gaslighting, disrespect, and emotional abuse—Kenya’s political landscape is riddled with similar traits:

• Manipulation through tribal politics – Leaders divide us along ethnic lines to maintain power.
• Broken promises and economic mismanagement – High taxes, unemployment, and skyrocketing cost of living.
• Irresponsible borrowing and lack of accountability – The government takes loans recklessly without clear repayment plans or transparency on how funds are utilized.
• Leaders who refuse to listen to the people – Ignoring grievances and making self-serving deals instead of addressing national issues.
• Violence as a tool of control – Inciting chaos when they cannot manipulate the people.
• Deflection and blame games – Leaders refusing to take responsibility for national failures.

The Breaking Point: A Nation in Unrest

The frustration among Kenyans boiled over on June 25, 2024, during a day of widespread protests fueled by the government’s blatant disregard for its people. Lives were lost, property was destroyed, and instead of listening to the masses, the ruling class made a deal with the opposition. A deal that, instead of solving the country’s problems, is widely seen as protecting the political elite while leaving Kenyans to suffer under failed universal health coverage, opulence in government, corruption, misappropriation of funds, nepotism in appointments, conflict of interest when government officials do business with the state, and political interference in law enforcement. The size of government has also been increased to accommodate the opposition in government hence increasing the wage bill among other costs.

Then came March 23, 2025, during two major events—the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha and the Kenya vs. Gabon AFCON qualification match at Nyayo Stadium. In both venues, chants and insults against political leaders filled the air, a testament to the growing anger over the struggles facing ordinary citizens.

However, events at Nyayo Stadium took a darker turn. Supporters of one political faction physically attacked an MP perceived to be pro-people. Instead of addressing grievances, some political leaders and their supporters escalated matters, turning it into an ethnic rivalry.  Soon after, threats and hateful tribal rhetoric spread, reviving tensions that should have been long buried.

It’s clear that our political class has a well-worn modus operandi: when they cannot control the masses, they instigate violence. They have polarized the nation, and rather than de-escalate tensions, they continue to appear in public spaces where their presence only stirs chaos and using their grassroot mobilizers to pay goons to fight for them.

I hoped memories of the 2007/2008 post-election violence is still fresh in the minds of many Kenyans, yet here we are again, standing at the edge of a dangerous precipice. This politically charged darkness has lingered for too long, trapping us in an endless cycle of terror and division.

Breaking the Wheel: A New Dawn for Kenya

If we are to end the night and begin a new day, we must break the toxic wheel of bad leadership and tribal politics. The solutions are clear:

1. Elect Wisely – Stop recycling leaders who thrive on corruption and deceit.
2. Reject Tribal Rhetoric – Unite as Kenyans, not as members of tribes weaponized by politicians.
3. Fair Resource Allocation – Develop all regions based on needs, not political favoritism.
4. Fight Corruption Relentlessly – Demand accountability and transparency at all levels.
5. Streamline Government Structures – Ensure institutions serve the people, not political interests.
6. Hold Leaders Accountable for Economic Decisions – Demand full transparency on loans, expenditures, and fiscal policies.
7. Enforce the Rule of Law – End political interference in law enforcement and judicial processes.

The chorus of End of Night serves as a powerful reminder: “Goodbye to the shadows, it was you who made me feel so trapped and confused…”

It’s time for Kenya to say goodbye to leaders who thrive on deception, division, and oppression. We must put an end to this darkness, and usher in a new era of hope and integrity. The night of political toxicity must end—but only if we choose to walk away.

Full Accession of Somalia into the EAC Was a Mistake

Recent developments in Somalia paint a grim picture of the security situation in the country. Al-Shabaab militants have intensified attacks against the Federal Government of Somalia, steadily reclaiming territory from the national armed forces. The situation has deteriorated to the point that Al-Shabaab spokesperson Ali Dheere brazenly held a press conference to mock and discredit government forces.

This escalation presents new challenges for the East African region, as Al-Shabaab’s ambitions do not stop at Somalia’s borders. The group has long expressed intent to expand its influence into Kenya, Ethiopia, and beyond, posing a direct threat to regional stability.

Was Somalia Ready for the EAC?

Somalia officially joined the East African Community (EAC) after its admission by regional heads of state, in line with the relatively shallow criteria outlined in the EAC Treaty. In early 2024, Somalia deposited its instrument of ratification, becoming a full member of the bloc. This membership grants Somalia various privileges, including free movement of people, tariff-free trade, free movement of capital, enhanced security cooperation, and access to East African Development Bank (EADB) funding.

However, a fundamental question remains: Was Somalia truly prepared for EAC membership?

One of the key requirements for joining the EAC is having a functional market economy. Somalia does not meet this standard by global or even regional measures. Its economy is largely driven by livestock trading, with minimal regulation, stability, or formal economic structures. The country suffers from a severe lack of infrastructure, including roads, communication networks, and financial institutions, which are essential for economic integration within the EAC.

Additionally, Somalia’s federal government currently controls less than half of the country, raising serious concerns about its stability. With Al-Shabaab actively challenging the government and making territorial gains, the possibility of an insurgent takeover remains a real threat. This instability undermines the core principles of regional cooperation and economic integration.

A Rushed and Flawed Accession Process

The EAC Treaty outlines basic criteria for new members, requiring them to:

• Be geographically within Eastern Africa
• Have a functional market economy
• Share common interests with existing members
• Promote regional peace and stability
• Undergo an assessment process before admission

Somalia, in its current state, does not fully meet these criteria. Its accession appears to have been rushed without a thorough evaluation of its readiness. The motivations behind this hasty decision remain unclear, but it is evident that the EAC's existing framework for assessing new members is inadequate.

The Need for Stronger Admission Criteria

The EAC should reconsider its membership requirements and draw inspiration from the European Union’s Copenhagen Criteria, which set clear and stringent conditions for accession. The Copenhagen Criteria require potential EU members to have:

• Stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law
• A functioning market economy capable of handling the pressures of integration
• The ability to adopt and implement the obligations of membership

Applying similar rigorous standards to EAC accession would prevent politically motivated or premature admissions that could weaken the bloc’s stability and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Somalia’s admission to the EAC was premature and has introduced new risks to the region. The ongoing security crisis and lack of economic stability raise serious concerns about the wisdom of this decision. To safeguard the integrity of the EAC, the bloc must urgently update its treaty, introduce stricter assessment procedures, and ensure that future members are genuinely prepared for integration. Existing members must also face a form of suspension when they fail to meet the set threshold. Without these reforms, the EAC risks becoming a fragile and ineffective organization, burdened by the instability of its newest member.

Beyond Criticism: Recognizing Efforts While Demanding Better

Public trust in the Government of Kenya is at an all-time low, fueled by perceived dishonesty, unfulfilled promises, and poor governance choices. This skepticism is understandable, given the widespread issues of corruption, misallocation of resources, and the toxic influence of micromanagement politics.

However, while holding the government accountable is crucial, it is equally important to acknowledge and support genuine efforts to address systemic challenges. 

Government elements MUST also understand that true success for our country is not about publicizing the bare minimum as achievements—it lies in tangible progress in healthcare, security, food stability, and education reforms.

Relentless criticism of every government initiative, regardless of its merit, does little to foster improvement. If we dismiss all efforts as failures, we risk creating an environment where progress is stifled, and ultimately, we— as a people—bear the brunt of stagnation. Constructive engagement, recognition of positive strides, and continued pressure for meaningful reforms are key to ensuring that governance serves the best interests of all Kenyans.

Stop Optics Politics and Focus on Ending Systemic Issues

Senior Kenyan politicians have increasingly been seen launching community projects such as latrines, transformers, food donations, and water tanks, presenting these as significant national achievements resulting from their efforts. However, these initiatives are the bare minimum and should not even be touted at the national level. 

These leaders often travel across the country in long convoys of luxury vehicles to inaugurate such projects, disregarding the financial implications, especially since public funds are used to finance these activities. 

This tactic is particularly disheartening, as it prioritizes optics over substance and fails to address systemic issues. In fact, it exacerbates public expenditure during these challenging economic times. 

Kenya is currently grappling with serious problems affecting healthcare, physical security, food security, energy, transparency, accountability, and justice. Yet, instead of tackling these pressing issues, politicians focus on emotional appeals in preparation for the next election. 

Elected leaders must realize that while optics politics may sway half of the population, a growing number of voters are becoming more discerning. To earn genuine loyalty, politicians must address systemic issues and work towards long-term solutions. 

It is time to move beyond superficial gestures and focus on meaningful, sustainable change that benefits all Kenyans.

Serve Public Interest, not Personal Religious Agendas

Kenyan politicians ought to understand that they were elected to serve, not preach.

Lately, we have witnessed persistent efforts of trying to fund churches and other religious institutions for political mileage and this has become so rampant that the public is irked to the point of demonstrating against it. The politicos engaging in this have resorted to name calling and associating dissenters with the devil, just because they have been called out and told to focus on what they were elected for.

Clearly, the politicians furthering this agenda are disconnected from how Kenyans feel and what our laws clearly state.

Article 8 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) establishes Kenya as a secular state, ensuring there shall be no state religion. Under Article 32, every individual is granted the freedom to practice their faith without interference. However, this freedom does not permit anyone to impose their religious beliefs on others or misuse public funds to establish religious sanctuaries. Such actions contradict the principles of a secular state and the trust placed in elected leaders. 

Kenyans elected leaders to serve the public interest, not to advance personal or religious agendas using state resources. 

This separation of religion and state is crucial for maintaining unity and equality in a diverse society.