Kenya's Transactional Democracy Breeds Modern Slavery And Colonialism

Kenya’s Transactional Democracy Breeds Modern Slavery And Colonialism

By Steve Biko Wafula / Published November 7, 2023 | 2:57 pm

KEY POINTS

The revival of our nation's ideals demands a collective effort. As a society, we must resist complacency and challenge retrogressive policies.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The transactional leadership model strips away the ideals that should guide a nation. It discourages the pursuit of a common vision, and instead, it fosters the pursuit of personal gain.

In a world of perpetual change, the adage “the more things change, the more they remain the same” holds a poignant truth. The echoes of historical injustices like slavery and colonialism have resurfaced in insidious forms, adapting to the evolving dynamics of power and exploitation.

Today, we witness a transformation where politicians, seemingly in cahoots with new masters, seek control over resources and the lives of ordinary citizens.

A disheartening consequence of this shifting landscape is the exodus of our brightest minds. Skilled professionals, from nurses and doctors to engineers and countless others, are abandoning their homelands for foreign shores, only to find themselves relegated to unskilled labor, caring for the elderly in places like Saudi Arabia, the USA, and the UK. This brain drain weakens our nation, leaving behind a population too burdened to resist corrupt or inept leadership.

Back home, those of us who bear the weight of this transformation feel a growing sense of stress and powerlessness. We watch as our politicians, with practiced charm, deliver grandiose lies, met with applause from a seemingly oblivious populace. Their complacency emboldens them to concoct even more outrageous falsehoods, all while they ride fleets of luxury cars that could equip a fully functioning hospital or school.

As if the erosion of our sovereignty wasn’t enough, the looming threat of digital identification through microchips under the Maisha Number program raises serious concerns. Critics argue that this initiative, backed by individuals like Bill Gates, is a sinister tool for population control. Modern slavery, it seems, is creeping upon us so rapidly that many are blinded to its encroachment.

The nexus of modern slavery and colonialism has found a willing partner in Kenya’s transactional leadership. Our President seems to view governance through the lens of quid pro quo deals—how much for this, how much for that—with little regard for morals, ideals, virtues, or value-driven purposes. In this environment, modern slavery and colonialism find fertile ground to take root.

A deeper examination of our political landscape reveals that the emergence of transactional democracy may be a catalyst for the disconcerting resurgence of modern struggles. Transactional democracy, in essence, values deals over ideals. It’s a system where power and influence are exchanged for personal gain, often at the expense of the greater good.

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As we delve into the political transformation Kenya has undergone, it becomes apparent that this shift toward transactional democracy has allowed a crime syndicate to infiltrate the very heart of our nation’s governance. The result is a toxic brew of corrupt practices, undermined justice, and a populace rendered voiceless.

Transactional democracy thrives on self-interest, and Kenya’s political scene increasingly mirrors this ethos. Public resources are depleted as they’re diverted into private pockets. Empty promises and grandiose projects mask the erosion of our collective future. The very essence of democracy, which should be rooted in the will of the people, is overshadowed by these dark alliances.

With a transactional leader at the helm, the moral compass of our nation falters. It’s not about the values and principles that should underpin a just society; it’s about how much one can gain in the present moment. This self-serving approach not only threatens our present but also our future, as the echoes of history remind us that unchecked greed can lead to suffering and injustice.

The transactional leadership model strips away the ideals that should guide a nation. It discourages the pursuit of a common vision, and instead, it fosters the pursuit of personal gain. In this environment, we witness the rise of modern slavery, where the vulnerable are exploited and oppressed, and colonialism, where foreign interests dictate our nation’s destiny.

So, what can be done in the face of this disconcerting reality? To move beyond transactional democracy and regain our national integrity, we must rekindle the values of transparency, accountability, and public welfare. We must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and decisions, ensuring that they work for the betterment of all, not the enrichment of a select few.

The revival of our nation’s ideals demands a collective effort. As a society, we must resist complacency and challenge retrogressive policies. We must become informed and engaged citizens, unafraid to speak out against injustice, falsehoods, and the erosion of our democratic principles. Our nation’s destiny should not be dictated by external forces or corrupt politicians but by the will and aspirations of its people.

In essence, the transformation of Kenya’s political landscape is a reflection of the global struggle for power and resources. Modern slavery and colonialism, in their new guises, threaten our nation’s sovereignty and the well-being of its citizens. To combat these issues, we must reject transactional democracy and advocate for a return to values-driven governance. Only through unity, accountability, and a commitment to justice can we hope to navigate these tumultuous waters and secure a brighter future for Kenya.

About Steve Biko Wafula

Steve Biko is the CEO OF Soko Directory and the founder of Hidalgo Group of Companies. Steve is currently developing his career in law, finance, entrepreneurship and digital consultancy; and has been implementing consultancy assignments for client organizations comprising of trainings besides capacity building in entrepreneurial matters.He can be reached on: +254 20 510 1124 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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