PLO Lumumba: Leaders Who Don't Care & The Call for Change in Kenya

In this compelling conversation, Professor PLO Lumumba asserts that the current crop of politicians in Kenya "do not care about the people or the country". He describes their approach as "myopic," driven by a focus on "short-term political interest" and the next election rather than the nation's long-term well-being.

Drawing on his experience with the constitutional review process, Prof. Lumumba details how the constitution is often viewed as a tool to be "used and manipulated" for political gain. He highlights the "painful" reality that many politicians who participated in its creation "don't believe in the constitution". The discussion touches on significant challenges and "disservices" to the constitution's implementation, including the strangulation of devolution, financial mismanagement, nepotism in appointments, and diplomatic blunders.

Prof. Lumumba argues that politics has become the "shortest avenue to wealth which is unearned," attracting individuals with the wrong motives. He criticizes the prevalence of ethnic and clan-based politics, led by "tribal kingpins" or "low voltage warlords", which undermines national unity and objective decision-making. The issue of endemic and "devolved corruption" is also addressed, with a lament that society often admires rather than shames the corrupt.

Despite the challenges, Prof. Lumumba expresses "guarded optimism". He points to the "Gen Z-led protest" as a moment where young people "conquered fear," planting a seed for liberation. The path forward, he suggests, involves citizens being "engaged," organizing, taking the vote, and focusing on national ideas rather than ethnic affiliation. He stresses that "the voices of reason must not be silent" and that Kenyans owe something to their country, rather than believing the country owes them. The conversation emphasizes that while politicians may succeed in short-term maneuvers, there will come a time when their actions will be undone.