Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has blamed long-standing tribal politics and persistent economic hardship in Kenya for creating a society where citizens often protect corrupt leaders while public services fail to reach those who need them most.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Friday, Aukot said, “Historically, our politics is so tribal, so regional…even when a leader is a thief, you’ll see the community in him saying, you’re lying to one of our own. There’s a degree of mediocrity among us as Kenyans that we do not learn.”
He argued that decades of political manipulation have left Kenyans desperate, with poverty and scarce resources fueling public complacency. “The politics in Kenya has created a state of desperation over many decades…whoever comes and gives, even 50 shillings, people follow them,” he said, referring to politicians who distribute small items during campaigns to gain loyalty.
Despite Kenya’s relatively high levels of education, Aukot noted that many citizens are prone to believing false claims, which allows political dynasties and entrenched families to dominate leadership positions.
Highlighting the economic pressures ordinary Kenyans face, he cited food insecurity and challenges in accessing education. “Can you imagine the pain of a parent just seeing a child sitting at home, not being in school?” he asked. He explained that many families struggle to meet transport, school fee, and medical costs, which can push children into risky behaviors like drugs and prostitution.
Even major government programs, such as housing initiatives and development funds, often fail to help those in need, Aukot said. “When you talk about 1,000 housing units which are being propagated by this government…can they afford them? The answer is no. It’s the biggest scam in the history of Kenya,” he said.
Aukot also criticized corruption and weak oversight of public resources. “If you’re a consumer of raw intelligence, you know that 2 to 3 billion shillings are being stolen every day…what are you doing about it?” he asked, emphasizing that mismanagement harms future generations while failing to meet urgent social needs.
However, Aukot acknowledged some positive examples, praising a few governors and Members of Parliament who use constituency and county resources effectively to support schools and feeding programs. “For every general rule, there is always an exception,” he said, highlighting that good governance is possible, even if rare.
He concluded by urging leaders to focus on their core duties of legislation, representation, and accountability rather than exploiting citizen desperation for political gain.
Aukot’s comments paint a stark picture of Kenya’s political and social environment, where ethnic loyalty and economic hardship combine to perpetuate systemic failures even as citizens struggle with basic needs.
