Of Hyenas and Eagles: The Tragic Dichotomy Of Democracy In Kenya And Rwanda

There is an ancient African proverb that says, “A goat that climbs a tree is destined for a great fall.” This, in essence, is the story of Kenya’s democracy. A promising system, an idealistic dream, enshrined in one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, has been hijacked by a cabal of political dealers, not leaders. Kenya stands at the precipice, teetering on the edge of a great fall, her destiny auctioned to the highest bidder. Meanwhile, across the border, Rwanda soars like an eagle. Rising from the ashes of a genocide that left the world in horror, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of accountability, order, and development. And so we must ask: Why is democracy working for Rwanda and failing miserably for Kenya?

The answer lies not in the systems themselves but in the intent behind their creation and execution. As the saying goes, “You cannot plant cassava and expect to harvest yams.” Kenya’s democracy was birthed from noble ideals, but its caretakers, those entrusted to water and nurture it, have instead polluted the soil with corruption, greed, and self-interest. The political class in Kenya has transformed democracy into a transactional process, where elections are auctions, and leadership is determined by the size of one’s wallet, not the weight of one’s character.

In Rwanda, democracy is different. There, leadership is not simply a right; it is a responsibility. A Rwandan proverb says, “A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning.” Rwanda’s democracy is anchored in accountability, where leaders are not afraid of the people but are instead responsible to them. President Paul Kagame, often critiqued in the West for his firm hand, has fostered a system where the government serves the people first. They build, they develop, they govern. Kenya, on the other hand, has fallen prey to leaders who serve themselves first and consider the people only during election cycles when promises of utopia are sold for votes, only to vanish once the ballots are counted.

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So, is Rwanda’s system better? Should Kenya follow suit? Before answering, let us examine the core differences in practice. In Kenya, the presidency is a prize, something to be won and then enjoyed. The political class has mastered the art of manipulation, using ethnic division, populist rhetoric, and financial inducements to secure power. The constitution, though beautiful in writing, has been weaponized by those who swore to protect it. Its clauses are used to protect the guilty and punish the innocent, a shield for the corrupt while the common mwananchi struggles to survive. An old saying goes, “He who rides a tiger cannot dismount without being devoured.” This is the dilemma Kenya faces. The political elite have ridden the tiger of corruption and deceit for so long that they are now prisoners of their own making.

Rwanda, however, has built its system on the back of collective responsibility. Its leaders understand the fragility of peace and the cost of losing it. Their democracy is not transactional; it is purposeful. Every leader, from the president down to the local officials, is held accountable for the development of the nation. And development is visible. Rwanda is clean, orderly, and safe. Economic growth is steady, and foreign investments are welcomed with open arms. It is said that “a bird does not change its feathers in the middle of a storm,” and Rwanda has remained steadfast in its vision, unwavering in its commitment to growth and accountability.

But should Kenya follow Rwanda’s model? To do so would require a complete overhaul of the current political culture. A Rwandan proverb teaches, “To get lost is to learn the way,” and perhaps Kenya’s failures are a necessary part of its journey to true democracy. Yet, the question remains: Can Kenya’s democracy be salvaged, or has it become a poisoned chalice, handed to us by the West as a tool of enslavement?

The West, after all, did not industrialize on solar power and sustainable energy. They built their empires on coal, steel, and conquest. Today, they preach the gospel of climate change, urging African nations to embrace green energy while their factories continue to churn out pollution at record rates. It begs the question: Is this a clever ploy to keep Africa underdeveloped? Democracy, for all its virtues, may indeed be a double-edged sword. In Kenya, the majority are easily swayed by empty promises and fiery speeches. They are gullible, emotional, and often manipulated by leaders who know that as long as the masses remain uneducated and poor, they can be easily controlled. A proverb says, “The fool speaks, the wise man listens,” and unfortunately, Kenya is led by the fools while the wise watch in silence.

Kenya’s constitution, hailed as one of the best in the world, is nothing more than a paper shield. It is ignored, trampled on, and rewritten at the whim of those in power. How is it that a country with such a progressive legal framework is led by the worst of the worst, the low of the low? The answer is simple: It is not the constitution that makes the leader, but the character of the person who interprets it. Kenya’s leadership lacks moral fiber. They are not leaders in the true sense of the word; they are dealers, trading the nation’s future for their present comfort.

So, where do we go from here? Do we abandon democracy altogether and embrace a more authoritarian model like Rwanda’s? Or do we find a way to make democracy work for us, not against us? There is no easy answer. But one thing is clear: Kenya cannot continue on its current path. The people deserve better, but they must first understand that they hold the power. An African proverb warns, “He who learns, teaches.” The Kenyan people must educate themselves, they must demand accountability, and they must refuse to be swayed by tribalism, money, and empty promises. Only then can the country reclaim its democracy.

Rwanda’s model works because its people and its leaders are united in their vision for the future. Kenya can achieve the same, but only if the people stop waiting for a savior and instead become their own liberators. A Kenyan proverb says, “He who does not know one thing knows another.” Perhaps Kenya’s failure is the knowledge it needs to chart a new course, one where democracy serves the people and not the other way around.

And so, the path forward is clear: Kenya must reclaim its democracy, but it must do so with wisdom, accountability, and unity. The people must rise, not in violence or anger, but in purpose and determination. Only then can Kenya soar like the eagle it was always meant to be.

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