Opinion: Kenya's ruling class must treat the citizens with more respect

In Kenya, it is now no longer business as usual. 

This is what President William Ruto and all other politicians should know. The time of taking people for granted is over. Last Sunday, President Ruto went for a church service in Bomet and came out to lecture Kenyans, saying enough is enough.

His remarks were regarding the protests by the youth and supported by many other Kenyans. And, indeed, enough is enough, because Kenyans are now tired.

Immediately after his speech that came days after announcing 11 nominees to his new Cabinet, the youth said they would be back to the streets. 

However, politicians seem to be taking for granted whatever has been happening lately, and this will cost many of them dearly.

The kind of people they are currently dealing with is different from any other in the history of our politics. Kenyans are now more informed than before; you either speak to them with respect or they will disrespect you.

So, what is it that needs to be done? The answer is that Kenyans need accountability and integrity from their leaders. With this in mind, let us for once get things done correctly.

Gone are the days when incompetence and misuse of public funds were met with resigned acceptance. Today, the people demand a new standard.

The current crop of leaders does not meet the expectations of the populace. The disconnect between those in power and the aspirations of Kenyans has widened to an alarming degree. 

The once-silent voices of dissatisfaction are now amplified, echoing across the nation demanding change. The question then becomes what needs to be done, how, and by whom.

At the heart of this transformation must lie a leadership rooted in accountability and integrity. These are not mere buzzwords but pillars upon which the future of Kenya hinges.

A cartoon depicting recenr changes in the Cabinet. (Photo: Eastleigh Voice)

Accountability means more than just answering for one's actions after the fact; it necessitates a proactive approach to transparency and responsibility. Leaders must understand that they serve at the pleasure of the people, and with that privilege comes the duty to act in the best interests of the nation.

Likewise, Integrity must be non-negotiable. The days of impunity and corruption must come to an end. Kenyans are tired of seeing public funds squandered, tired of leaders who prioritise personal gain over national prosperity, and tired of unfulfilled promises and unrealised dreams.

The path forward demands leaders who lead by example, who embody the virtues they espouse, and who are willing to make the hard choices necessary for genuine progress.

To achieve this vision requires a collective effort. It is incumbent upon every citizen to demand better, to hold their leaders accountable, and to actively participate in shaping the future they deserve.

It requires a reinvigorated commitment to civic duty, to voting not based on tribal allegiances or empty promises, but on the merits of character and capability.

Change is never easy, nor is it immediate, but it is necessary. The challenges facing Kenya today demand nothing less than a radical departure from the status quo.

It requires bold leadership willing to confront entrenched interests, dismantle systems of patronage and privilege, and build a future where every Kenyan has the opportunity to thrive.

The time for complacency is over. Kenyans have spoken, and their message is clear: they deserve better. They deserve leadership that respects their dignity, values their input, and works tirelessly on their behalf. 

The path ahead is daunting, but the promise it holds of a more just, equitable, and prosperous Kenya is worth every effort.

Let us not falter in our pursuit of a nation where accountability and integrity are not just ideals, but lived realities for all.

The writer is a Mombasa-based communication and marketing expert.

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