“Divide and Rule,” Propaganda, divisive politics, and the principle diversion continue ailing Kenyan politics.
In the political landscape of Kenya, events appear to be unfolding rapidly: the contentious rise to power of the current government in 2022, the emergence of the opposition questioning the government’s credibility, and recent developments such as the disputed finance bill, the rise of the Gen Z movement, the increase in civic education nationwide led by activist Morara Kebaso, the dissolution of the cabinet, the opposition’s collaboration with the government, the controversial Adni-Jkia deal, and most recently, the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The critical question is whether these occurrences are mere coincidences. In my considered opinion, which I will elaborate on in this article, most of what is transpiring is not by chance. It is a meticulously designed game that engages the ruled class while the ruling class maintains control and continues to exploit them further.
Robert Greene, in his “48 Laws of Power,” appears to have revealed the darker aspects of human nature. The ideal Kenyan politician is a quintessential student of Robert Greene, which forms the basis of my argument in this article. Greene explains in his 48 Laws of Power how individuals can increase their influence by engaging the emotions of the surrounding masses. This mirrors the strategies employed by Kenyan politicians to gain office and maintain their positions for extended periods. “The average man is daft,” said my good friend, a statement I have come to fully agree with, and which crosses my mind whenever I consider Kenyan politics.
While mastering the 48 Laws of Power, the Kenyan elite and ruling class appear to utilize and exploit three key principles of power, allowing them to maintain their positions while inciting discord among lower-class citizens, leading to infighting that ultimately aids in their continued rule and exploitation, thereby staving off any potential revolution.
The three major principles the government employs to keep citizens divided are the divide-and-rule strategy, the principle of diversion, and extensive use of propaganda. The primary reasons it has been extremely challenging, nearly impossible, to overcome the government, even with citizens’ numbers, are due to the government’s ability to deploy these tactics at will. It seems that the only way for people to win the war is through complete unity; without it, the government will continue to enjoy its holidays while the oppressive class maintains its grip, resulting in little or no change.
The rise of the Gen Z movement as a revolutionary force poses a significant threat to the ruling class. Even if they were to utilize it in an election, the movement could secure over 15 million votes in a single campaign, which would be more than sufficient for a presidential victory. However, the government is aware of this, and as Greene states in his 15th law, “Crush your enemy totally,” the ruling class must consistently identify methods to address any emerging threats that may surpass them.
The government will encourage or even promote any divisions that appear to disenfranchise the Gen Z movement, thereby diminishing its strength. Consider the concept of individuals establishing their own political parties or registering a movement. While it may appear positive to the average individual, it is actually a very dangerous concept. To some extent, the government will sponsor various political parties to prevent unity among them. Suffice it to say that they prosper from the division among citizens; the government will resort to any unscrupulous tactics to ensure that the populace remains fragmented.
Another strategy employed by the elite class is the principle of diversion. Here, the government will advocate for initiatives that divert citizens’ attention from critical issues. You all observed the other day when Morara Kebaso was arrested on the day the court ruled on the SHIF/SHA issue, and he was released just one day after his arrest. One might wonder why he was arrested on that particular day. While an average person may view it as simply an arrest, it essentially served as a means of diverting attention. or possibly the introduction of the deputy president’s impeachment motion amidst the Adani deal controversies. All these gimmicks and theatrics are deliberately employed to distract the attention of Kenyans who are dissatisfied with the government and advocating for change, steering their focus toward irrelevant issues that do not pertain to progress.
I have tried to convince myself over time that the Deputy President impeachment does lie in the category. I ask myself, what if the impeachment motion was a plan to divert people attention from important matters, and that the President and his Deputy have phone calls every other evening, laughing on how the theatric perfectly worked? I mean, I don’t say it is, but I also can’t convince myself it’s not. And, if the Deputy President will happen to make his way back stronger and escape the jaw of his impeachment, them my ‘what if question’ rest in its perfect place.
Another example is the government’s strategy of assigning key portfolios to the opposition by nominating some of its members to ministerial positions in an attempt to alleviate the discontent of frustrated citizens. As a result, the opposition found themselves in a situation with the government, leading to an abrupt halt in their critical stance against the government. The previously dynamic and passionate opposition members became hesitant, with many of them aligning with the government’s agenda after securing their positions. A significant shift is noted as certain regions that previously advocated for change now view the government favorably.
Another means of mass control employed by the elite class is propaganda and the dissemination of misinformation. Here you will hear government sporing headlines and hashtags to counter the movement. A very perfect examples the government terming Morara as a cone artist whose sole business is conning peoples money. These propaganda tactics works so perfect with a vast majority believing in them.
