Why change cannot be led by those we want to change first

Every Kenyan, like me, yearns for the possibility of change. We want to believe that tomorrow will be better than today, that our present struggles will give way to a future with better, more dedicated leaders.

We dream of a transformed ethos, free from the evils of corruption and tribalism that have plagued our nation for decades. This is the collective wish of every Kenyan, especially the younger generation, which bears the brunt of the mistakes of its forebears.

Yet, history often dampens this hope. Since 1961, every election has been marked by leaders promising change. Those who fought for independence did so on the premise of a brighter future, just as many leaders have done since. But has this promise ever been fully realised? The answer, sadly, is no. 

Today, even President William Ruto, who emerged as a powerful voice of change, struggles to convince Kenyans of his vision. Ruto’s campaign successfully framed Kenya’s divide as one between the “haves” and “have-nots,” promising to uplift the latter. His manifesto was hailed as one of the most progressive in recent times. Yet, the disconnect between his promises and reality on the ground has left many disillusioned.

However, the problem is not Ruto alone. Since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans have elected nearly 2,000 leaders from a pool of aspirants. Those who win often campaign on platforms of breaking from a history of unfulfilled promises and corruption.

Yet, these evils remain the defining traits of our political class. As the 2027 elections approach, we are already witnessing the same political machinations. Among those touted as the face of change is Dr Fred Matiang’i, an astute leader and public servant. But who stands behind him? The same old faces, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose political transformation remains questionable. Their mission often seems to be personal or partisan, such as making Ruto a one-term president.

The mission of many Kenyans is to install leaders who respect institutions, listen to the people, and act decisively. However, change remains elusive when leaders are installed by powerbrokers for emotional or tribal reasons. This was evident in the 2022 elections, where wearing the “yellow” of the UDA party was a sure ticket to victory in Central Kenya.

The solution lies in allowing the people to truly own the process of electing their leaders, from the MCA to the presidency. One way to achieve this is by making party nominations as democratic as possible. Currently, the nomination process is often the genesis of poor representation, where loyalty to individuals or parties outweighs competence and integrity. When leaders owe their positions to the people rather than to an individual or party, they will serve the public interest.

Until we address this foundational issue, the cycle of hope and disillusionment will continue. Change will only come when leaders know their existence is courtesy of the people, not the powerbrokers. Only then can we break free from the past and build a future worthy of our dreams.

The writer is a communications consultant