Unfolding political realignments and uncertainty are shaping Kenya’s national discourse. Familiar faces are re-emerging, some seeking relevance, others redemption, and many portraying themselves as defenders of the people’s interests.  

But in such moments of flux, the Kenyan public must tread with caution. Not every defector is a reformer. Not every critic of the government is a moral voice. And not every dramatic return to the political arena is an act of national service. 

Some of these are simply cases of sour grapes – wounded egos and disgruntled power brokers presenting personal disappointment as public concern. 

This is not the time for nostalgia or blind loyalty to personalities and tribal affiliations. It is time for discernment.  

Kenyans must learn to separate genuine ethical leadership from opportunistic reinvention. 

The stakes are too high to entertain political charlatans in recycled costumes of integrity. 

What this country needs is not louder voices or clever slogans, but honest, principled leaders with clean hands and an unshakeable commitment to the public good. 

When politicians present themselves as champions of democracy and the rule of law, ask them if they spoke out when extrajudicial killings occurred. 

Do they defend the independence of institutions when it is most needed? Ask whether they upheld the rule of law when they were in office, or manipulated it to protect allies and punish opponents?  

We must challenge them to account for their wealth. Is it the product of honest labour, or is it built on the back of corruption, patronage and the suffering of Kenyans? 

For far too long, Kenya has operated on a dangerous cycle of political amnesia. Criticising the government does not absolve one of past sins.  

Indeed, some of the most vocal critics of the current regime were architects of past injustices.  

Their sudden indignation may not be rooted in principle, but rather in exclusion from the corridors of power.  

Just because one has changed allegiance does not mean they have changed their ways. 

The Kenyan public must stop enabling this theatre of convenience. We must demand more.  

Every candidate seeking public office should be required to answer, honestly and publicly, a series of fundamental questions on misuse of public office, political violence, land grabbing, election malpractice, source of campaign funds, and their return on investment in public office. 

A politician who cannot give straight answers does not deserve our vote. Ethical leadership cannot be fabricated in public relations firms or spun by clever speechwriters.  

It is proven through consistent conduct, responsible governance and the courage to put national interest above personal ambition.  

We must be wary of those who speak the language of justice only when they are out of favour, and who cry foul only when their access to state resources is cut off. 

As the road to 2027 takes shape and new political formations begin to jostle for attention, let us not fall into the familiar trap of cheering for recycled villains.  

Let us instead demand clarity, accountability, and a clean record. Let us be vigilant, critical and unwavering in our pursuit of integrity in public service. 

The writer is a PhD student in International Relations