Joseph Hill of the Mighty Culture troupe, fathoms in his signature Jamaican Creole and thus in his year 2,000 masterpiece, the Politician voices the lyrics and ponders;
I wonder why politician them won’t go away, Rasta can’t get no peace inna this land, When them separate you with election, (Them a friend say) Run them away.
Politics is a critical human life venture but stands a two-pronged reality, with equal and totally opposite ramifications. The worst human conflict, the holocaust, three world wars (1st, 2nd and cold war) were as a direct result of inflated political leaders’ egos. Just fighting for their own self-esteem and grandiose.
As Kenya prepares for the 2027 elections which experts have touted as a possible showdown which might be marred with violence, both sides of the Kenyan political divide actively advance tribal and “Shareholding” Politics. Take for instance, the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies have faced heavy criticism and dynamic pushback for continuing to promote ethnically divisive “shareholding” politics. This framing alienates certain regions and sets communities against each other based on voter patterns. The recent outburst by politicians either in the ruling coalition or the hopeful opposition leaves the country at a frightening crossroads. Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia was arrested and investigated by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) following controversial remarks he made during a political rally in Kieni County. Speaking in the Kikuyu language at a gathering in late July/early August 2026, Kaguchia warned Mount Kenya residents against supporting President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. He allegedly stated that voters who support the President would be tracked to their homes and “smoked out” from their houses and from under their beds.
Recently, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar sparked intense political controversy in the country after making remarks that suggested the biometrics and fingerprints of deceased voters could be used to cast ballots for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. During a political gathering in Mombasa, Omar reportedly advised residents of Coastal Kenya to capture the fingerprints of their deceased relatives before burial so they could vote on their behalf in the 2027 elections. This is callous and unfortunate as it hints at plans to interfere with the voting process, a thing that can spark conflict.
Omar’s statement is related to another UDA Nominated MP’s, Mr. Joseph Wainaina Iraya (popularly known as Kabaiku) was recently summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) after a viral video recorded during a tent meeting in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County, captured him telling members of his own community residing in the Rift Valley that they must support President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid or vacate the region before the elections. His remarks reopened deep political wounds associated with the 2007–2008 post-election violence in the region.
The current conflict in every part of the globe, Middle East, Central and North Africa, every country, every zone, everywhere; political leaders have a hand in conflict. Whether it is for control, resources, religion or for fun, politicians move their war subjects like pawns on a chessboard.
In instances where politicians have taken a back seat and let technocrats take the lead, oftentimes, development and progress are registered. No country has politicians who completely abstain from creating conflict, as politics inherently involves competing ideas, interests, and power. However, countries that consistently score highest on the Global Peace Index (GPI) and the World Bank’s Political Stability Index are characterized by political systems structured to minimize destructive, polarized, or violent conflict. These nations foster a “culture of consensus” rather than “winner-take-all” friction.
The best examples of countries with ‘’mature political leaders” are;
Switzerland which uses a unique “magic formula” system where major opposing political parties share power in a multi-party executive council. Politicians focus heavily on direct democracy and building domestic consensus rather than theatrical public division. Secondly, Denmark & the Netherlands: Proportional representation ensures that coalition governments are nearly always mandatory. Political debates are heavily structured around institutional negotiation rather than polarizing culture wars. Lastly Slovenia & Austria: Consistently rank in the global top ten for peace due to robust social safety nets and a political environment heavily insulated against civil unrest or extremist political volatility.
Kenya politicians can at least borrow a leaf from the leaders from these countries.
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