By Fred Allan Nyankuru In the midst of rising public frustration, economic discomfort, and increasing disillusionment with leadership, it is easy—and perhaps fashionable—to throw stones at President William Ruto’s administration. The discontent is understandable. Life is hard. Prices are high. Expectations remain unmet. But in the face of this dissatisfaction, we must pause, take a deep breath, and reflect more critically on the big picture. We must invoke a timeless Swahili wisdom: “Mghala muue na haki yake umpe” —if someone deserves blame, give it; but if they deserve credit, don’t deny them their due. Ruto’s presidency has not been perfect—far from it. But imperfection is not the same as failure. In fact, when examined with the benefit of objectivity and context, his administration reflects the painful but necessary transition of a nation trying to correct the sins of its past while forging a more stable future. This journey, though uncomfortable, is one of national maturation. And ...

By Fred Allan Nyankuru Kenya is a nation at war with itself—not by guns or militias, but by something even more insidious: a deeply entrenched, deliberately nurtured culture of tribal politics. It’s the disease that eats away at our national unity, our electoral integrity, and our ability to rise beyond ethnic arithmetic and patronage. In such a volatile and wounded space, a true national leader must walk with caution and conviction—committed not to their tribe, but to the republic. And yet, when Dr Fred Matiang’i—former Interior Cabinet Secretary and now rumoured presidential hopeful—returned to the country to re-enter political life, where did he launch his comeback? —In Kisii. His tribal stronghold. His “home turf.” This decision, though seemingly ordinary in Kenya’s political culture, was neither innocent nor inconsequential. It was a loud political statement—a revealing moment that showed the nation exactly how Matiang’i views himself and the presidency. The Optics Matter—and in ...

By Fred Allan In politics, the word progress is often used like a charm—a spell meant to lull citizens into believing that any shift from the present status quo is inherently good. But this is a dangerous illusion. Not all progress is positive. Not every new direction is forward. And certainly, not every powerful man in a suit is a reformer. As Kenyans grow increasingly disillusioned with President William Ruto’s administration—a feeling that is understandable given the economic hardships and perceived disconnect from the people—the temptation to embrace any alternative can be strong. But in that moment of vulnerability, we must pause and think critically. Fred Matiang’i is not the progress Kenya needs. He is the political reincarnation of a past we should be trying to escape—not return to. Firstly, Matiang’i has long been hailed by some as a “strong leader,” an “efficient administrator,” and a man of “decisive action.” But let us not be fooled: efficiency without accountability is tyr...