The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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By: Bridgit Muriithi, Jewel College
In Kenya today, politics is increasingly resembling a political Roman Circus. Instead of focusing on solving pressing issues facing citizens, many politicians spend their time exchanging insults in public—whether on rally stages, television, or social media—while ordinary Kenyans continue to struggle with hunger, unemployment, and the high cost of living.
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The idea of a Roman Circus comes from ancient Rome, where rulers organized grand games and spectacles to entertain the population, distracting them from poor governance. Today, the term describes situations where politicians create drama to divert attention from real problems.
In Kenya, public arguments and personal attacks have become a form of entertainment that conceals leaders’ failure to deliver meaningful solutions.
During election seasons—and even in between—political rallies dominate the country. Rather than outlining plans for food security, education, healthcare, or jobs, leaders spend much of their time attacking rivals. They exchange accusations, call each other names, and attempt to humiliate opponents in front of the public.
Supporters cheer, media outlets cover the spectacle, and social media buzzes with political clashes. Yet after the noise dies down, nothing changes for ordinary citizens.
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Meanwhile, many Kenyans struggle to survive. Prices of staple foods like maize flour, rice, cooking oil, and vegetables have risen sharply. Families often cannot afford three meals a day. Drought and poverty have worsened hunger in some areas, leaving children to attend school without breakfast—or drop out entirely because parents cannot afford fees. Farmers face soaring fertilizer costs, and small businesses struggle as consumers tighten their spending.
This contrast highlights a deep gap between political rhetoric and real life. Leaders focus on power, elections, and alliances, rarely addressing hunger and poverty seriously. When they do, it is mostly promises without concrete plans, eroding public trust. Citizens begin to see politics as a game for leaders rather than a tool to improve lives.
The political Roman Circus also threatens democracy. When politics becomes a spectacle of insults, citizens lose focus on policies and development. Young people may come to believe that leadership is about shouting and confrontation rather than planning and service. This culture undermines respectful debate, accountability, and allows corrupt leaders to hide behind drama.
The media contributes to this circus. Television, radio, and social media often highlight political insults because they attract attention and audiences. But focusing solely on drama allows politicians to distract the public. Journalists should instead ask tough questions about policies, budgets, and promises, and hold leaders accountable for delivering results.
Citizens, too, have a responsibility. Kenyans should not cheer leaders who insult others; they should demand real solutions. Voters must evaluate leaders based on actions, not speeches. Civil society groups, churches, and youth organizations should educate people about their rights and promote issue-based, peaceful politics.
Kenyan politicians must change their approach. Leadership is not about entertaining crowds or attacking opponents—it is about solving problems. Leaders should support farmers, invest in irrigation, stabilize food prices, create opportunities for young people, and focus on meaningful policy discussions in parliament and county assemblies rather than insults at rallies.
In conclusion, Kenya does not need a political circus. It needs responsible leadership. As citizens continue to face hunger and poverty, politicians must prioritize real solutions over spectacle. Politics should serve the people, not power. If leaders persist with the Roman Circus, citizen suffering will continue—but if they choose service over drama, Kenya can progress and improve the lives of its people.
