When the revolution began, many of us felt a surge of hope. It seemed like a new era of public accountability was on the horizon, a chance to break free from the entrenched corruption and self-serving elites who view themselves as above their roles as public servants.
Yet recent events have left me disheartened, as if we’ve been at a party too long and ended up in a game of musical chairs—only to find ourselves in a worse position than when we started. President Ruto appears unaffected, comfortably ensconced in his position while welcoming latecomers to the highest echelons of power.
During the mass protests sparked by the Finance Bill, I was keenly interested in how President Ruto would navigate the situation. Despite being cornered at times, he seemed to emerge stronger, adeptly turning the tides in his favor. It was as if he played the tune of the Pied Piper, leading the people to follow him unquestioningly.
As a native of the coastal region, I have often criticized both our local administration and our people. I place blame where it is due, acknowledging that the issues in our region are as much the fault of the populace as they are of those in power.
Last week, witnessing the fervent support for the President left me with a sinking feeling. The sight of people rallying around him, despite recent opposition, made me question their awareness of the situation. It was clear that Ruto’s strategy of appointing a coastal figure to his Cabinet was a tactical move to secure his position, much like his maneuvers in other regions. Despite the apparent transparency of this strategy, it has proven effective.
In Mombasa, where a local figure was nominated, the excitement seemed misplaced. This individual, after two decades of political involvement, has seen little tangible progress for the city. The infrastructure remains inadequate, with broken water and drainage systems, yet people rallied enthusiastically.
The reality is that after the cheers and celebrations, the President and his new appointee will return to their luxurious homes, while the people will continue to grapple with inadequate public services and minimal gains.
