During World War II, the British developed a systematic framework for manipulation, exploiting four key vulnerabilities in human motivation: fear, greed, ego and desperation. This strategy benefited colonialists, enabling them to recruit collaborators and design effective traps by capitalizing on their opponents’ psychological weaknesses. These principles of manipulation played a crucial role in British colonial strategies, including in Kenya, where control was often maintained through psychological and economic manipulation rather than outright force.
In Kenya’s political landscape today, money has become the primary tool of influence, targeting similar human vulnerabilities. The political class exploits desperation and ego to maintain control over key figures and voters alike. A desperate individual believes he needs your money, while an egotistical person believes he deserves it. By pulling the strings of money, political players can easily create willing puppets—people whose actions are driven by fear of scarcity or by a desire for status.
A pressing question now looms in Kenya’s political discourse: Is Kithure Kindiki the legitimate Deputy President, or merely a decoy employed by President William Ruto to “sanitize” his political maneuvers? Kindiki, who hails from the Mount Kenya region, finds himself in the spotlight as Ruto’s key player in a region that is both politically and geographically complex.
Despite the treacherous and unpredictable terrain of Mount Kenya, both in terms of its geography and its political allegiances, can Kindiki truly muster the loyalty needed to secure this region for President Ruto? While he, Kindiki, has held various leadership positions, he lacks the deep-rooted influence that would allow him to unite the region behind Ruto. Historically, he has often positioned himself as a loyal beneficiary of political patronage, even when circumstances turned against him.
After the Gen-Z protests that erupted against Ruto’s administration, Kindiki emerged as a figure cloaked in loyalty, utilized to rehabilitate the President’s image. These demonstrations, which saw widespread unrest and led to the deaths of many young Kenyans, left a deep scar on the national psyche. In response to the protests, the government unleashed a campaign of terror, using denunciation, interrogation, blackmail and kidnappings to silence dissent. Disappearances and the arbitrary exercise of tyrannical power became the state’s instruments for instilling fear.
Kindiki’s role, however, was more symbolic than substantial. He was positioned as a moderate, a stabilizing force meant to cleanse the public image of a regime many viewed as oppressive. But his real power to influence, particularly in the critical Mount Kenya region, remains questionable.
True vulnerability in politics is revealed when character and resilience are put to the test. In these desperate times, how one navigates challenges—whether out of loyalty, fear, or ambition—can shape the future of an entire region and a political career. Kindiki’s leadership in these times may prove pivotal not only for his future but also for the political trajectory of Mount Kenya and its relationship with the central government.
Mount Kenya’s political class, driven by vengeance and frustration with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, made the choice to align with William Ruto. For many, it was an act of defiance, a statement against the perceived failures of their own son of the soil. But this decision came with significant consequences. Ruto’s controversial history, which includes allegations of orchestrating violence during past elections, did not deter them from joining his camp. The desire to “teach a lesson” to Kenyatta clouded their judgment, leading to political moves that may have long-term detrimental effects on the region.
Now, a crossroads lies ahead. The younger generation, untainted by the same grudges and historical animosities, must look forward. Instead of being consumed by vengeance, they must focus on the future and prioritize what serves the long-term interests of their communities. Political decisions made today will shape Kenya’s future for decades to come, and it is imperative that this younger cohort breaks free from the cycles of revenge and power plays. Only by looking ahead can they secure a future that promotes development, unity, and true leadership in the region.