The recent impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strengthened my belief that the nation must move away from politics centred on messianism and towards politics centred on ideas.
Unfortunately, we celebrate political leaders as regional kingpins. This messianic attitude towards leadership has bred ‘the mtu wetu syndrome’ and the masses cannot see beyond it. It is high time we changed this perspective so that when we implicate these leaders in corruption, we do not perceive it as an attack on a region.
The time has come for a paradigm shift towards embracing ideology-based politics, prioritising principles, values, and long-term visions over individual personalities. Unfortunately, the messianic approach has found its way into the corporate world and all our collective societal engagements.
Digital platforms are awash with complaints from millennials and Gen Z, who term others as sellouts to their movement.
During their rise, charismatic leaders often promise sweeping changes and deliver hope to the masses. These figures embody a sense of messianic fervour, capturing the population with grand visions and charismatic appeal.
But over time, these would-be revolutionaries would shift their goals, lose momentum, and prioritise their greed over the interests of the population behind them.
Historically, Kenya has seen the emergence of various messianic leaders who have captivated the public with their promises of transformation. From Jomo Kenyatta, Masinde Muliro and Oginga Odinga to Michael Wamalwa, Kenneth Matiba and Raila Odinga, these leaders wielded significant influence, but challenges and controversies also marked their legacy.
The Gen Z period also gave rise to notable names, but at the moment, controversies define them. If the population were abreast of what politicians stand for rather than their charisma, Kenya would be great. As in the US, it is no longer about the person but the party’s ideology and ideals.
There are difficulties with relying on charismatic leaders in politics. Kenya has had more than its share of violent incidents brought on by its “charismatic” leaders. Messianic leaders can inspire optimism and zeal, but their dependence on personality cults can stifle critical thinking and accountability. The cult of personality frequently prevails over rational debate and can result in a lack of openness and accountability.
When one influential leader holds a significant grip on politics, there is a risk that personal interests could overshadow rational debate and strategic planning in policymaking. This dynamic may result in policies that prioritise short-term gains over the long-term well-being of the nation.
To progress democratically, Kenya must adopt politics based on ideologies. Kenya may transition to a more ethical and sustainable system of government. Ideologies offer a framework for judgment based on values and principles rather than on the whims of particular leaders. The buck should stop with strong political parties.
Countries like South Africa, the UK, and the United States have invested in their political parties.
Moving towards ideology-based politics requires establishing pillars such as social justice, economic equality, environmental sustainability, and governance.
The next stage is to turn these pillars into actionable policy proposals. This involves creating legislation, initiatives, and reforms congruent with the ideological framework’s core values.
This strategy could encourage decision-making processes to be more transparent, participatory, and long-term planned.
Educating the public on the value of ideological alignment is essential. By fostering a culture of understanding and engagement around core principles, citizens can actively participate in shaping the country’s future.
Embracing ideology-based politics offers Kenya the potential to transform its governance and propel the country towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Transitioning from messianic politics to ideology-based governance is vital for establishing a more stable and responsible political system. By focusing on values rather than persons, the country may chart a more sustainable route to prosperity and growth.
— The writer is an Innovations Evangelist and a PhD Candidate; [email protected]