“Change can be scary. It doesn’t matter if you’re going through a small change or a big one — doing something totally different than you’re used to is terrifying.“

By Arch. Dr. D.K. Gitau
Global President, Diaspora National Assembly | President, Kenyan Parents in the USA

President William Ruto’s much-hyped “hustler” manifesto—once celebrated as a people-powered revolution promising to eradicate poverty in a country with over 10 million impoverished citizens—is now widely seen as one of the most bizarre pieces of political fiction ever marketed to the electorate. What was touted as a grassroots economic reformation has devolved into an absurd charade, a cruel hoax on a desperate population yearning for change.

This time, history has not repeated itself as tragedy, but as satire. It is not Adolf Hitler promising a mythical Third Reich—but a man who claims to have risen from humble beginnings (a narrative increasingly questioned) and who now occupies the presidential palace, seemingly on a personal vendetta against dissenters. Ruto’s oratory prowess, like a master illusionist, made the impossible appear plausible. To the vulnerable and impoverished, he resembled a messiah sent to dismantle elitism and usher them to the table of national decision-making. Instead, the wheelbarrow—a crude symbol of his campaign—has become a tragic emblem of betrayal.

The so-called “street gospel” of bottom-up economics was a political page-turner, especially for the disillusioned poor who longed for dignity and opportunity. But those with a more critical mind recognized from the outset that wheelbarrows cannot, and will not, end systemic poverty. Many of these voters chose to support the Azimio la Umoja coalition, understanding that development requires more than folk symbolism and populist platitudes.

Slogans like “Kazi ni Kazi” and “Hatupangwingwi”, once weaponized by the Tanga Tanga brigade to evoke resilience and autonomy, have faded into political oblivion. Today, they serve as embarrassing reminders of empty populism. Instead of policy implementation, we are witnessing a government increasingly fixated on public relations stunts, media sound bites, and political vengeance. The lofty pledges to cut taxes, provide universal healthcare, and stimulate local production have all but vanished—replaced by superficial handouts and weak political theatre.

Kenyans have become weary of politicians who deliver lofty promises during campaigns, only to disappear post-election, reappearing five years later with a fresh batch of lies. This cyclical deception has trapped the electorate in a loop of misplaced hope and unrelenting despair. The reality on the ground is that the government is offering prayers instead of policies, spiritual theatrics instead of strategic interventions. Kenyans are being told to seek divine intervention while their lives deteriorate under economic mismanagement.

Tragically, there are genuine leaders in Kenya—leaders with vision and empathy—but they have been silenced, sidelined, or rendered impotent by a hostile political environment that rewards sycophancy and punishes truth-telling. These leaders do not lack ideas; they lack the space to implement them in a system rigged against reform.

Kenya can no longer afford the politics of deceit. The time has come for citizens to rise above ethnic loyalty and propaganda, and demand accountability, just as Hon. Raila Odinga and other pro-democracy forces continue to do. The current administration must embrace honest dialogue and recognize the legitimacy of peaceful protest. Attempting to criminalize dissent and intimidate opposition figures only deepens the political crisis.

The recent siege on the home of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is a chilling indication of a regime that governs by intimidation and violates court orders with impunity. If government institutions can so openly defy legal directives, what hope remains for the rule of law in Kenya?

It is increasingly clear that the Ruto administration is pushing Kenya toward a de facto one-party state—undermining the opposition and engineering the passage of draconian laws that aim to muzzle critics. This betrayal of constitutional principles and democratic values stands in stark contrast to the presidential oath Ruto swore to uphold.

Rather than strengthening institutions and fostering inclusive growth, President Ruto has found comfort in the company of sycophantic clergy who host theatrical prayer rallies across the country—while the economy continues to implode. Prayer without policy is not a development strategy. Kenya’s economy will not be rescued by empty sermons but by sound fiscal policy, equitable resource distribution, and strong institutions.

We fail because we do not try. But failure is no longer an option. The stakes are too high, and the cost of silence is far greater than the fear of speaking up. Let us not be complicit through inaction. Let us reimagine leadership—not as a vehicle for personal enrichment but as a solemn responsibility to serve.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author in his personal capacity as a political commentator and diaspora leader. They are grounded in the constitutional right to freedom of expression and are not intended to malign any individual but to uphold democratic accountability.