"Divide and Rule": Propaganda, Divisive Politics, and the Principle of Diversion in Kenyan Politics

Written by Hussein Waiyaki
Edited and Reviewed by Tex Wambui

​In the political landscape of Kenya, events appear to be unfolding rapidly: the contentious rise to power of the current government in 2022, the opposition questioning the government's credibility, and recent developments such as the disputed finance bill, the rise of the Gen Z movement, the increase in civic education nationwide led by activist Morara Kebaso, the dissolution of the cabinet, the opposition's collaboration with the government, the controversial Adani-JKIA deal, and most recently, the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The critical question is whether these occurrences are mere coincidences. In my considered opinion, most of what is transpiring is not by chance. It is a meticulously designed game that engages the ruled class while the ruling class maintains control and continues to exploit them further.

Robert Greene, in his 48 Laws of Power, seems to have revealed the darker aspects of human nature. The ideal Kenyan politician is a quintessential student of Robert Greene, which forms the basis of my argument in this article. Greene explains how individuals can increase their influence by engaging the emotions of the surrounding masses. This perfectly mirrors the strategies employed by Kenyan politicians to gain and maintain power for extended periods. "The average man is daft," said a good friend of mine, a statement I have come to fully agree with whenever I consider Kenyan politics.

​While mastering the 48 Laws of Power, the Kenyan elite and ruling class seem to exploit three key principles of power, which allow them to maintain their dominance while inciting discord among lower-class citizens. This infighting ultimately aids in their continued rule and staves off any potential revolution. The three major principles the government employs to keep citizens divided are divide-and-rule, diversion, and the extensive use of propaganda.
The primary reason it has been extremely challenging—almost impossible—for citizens to successfully challenge the government is its ability to deploy these tactics at will. The only way for people to win this war is through complete unity; without it, the government will continue to thrive while the oppressed class remains stuck in its grip, resulting in little or no change.
Divide and Rule

The rise of the Gen Z movement as a revolutionary force poses a significant threat to the ruling class. With its immense potential, the movement could secure over 15 million votes in a single election—more than enough for a presidential victory. However, the government is well aware of this, and as Greene states in his 15th law, "Crush your enemy totally," the ruling class must consistently find ways to address any emerging threats that could surpass them.

The government will encourage or even promote any divisions that appear to disenfranchise the Gen Z movement, thereby weakening its strength. Consider the concept of individuals establishing their own political parties or registering movements. While it may seem like a positive step to the average person, it is, in fact, a dangerous concept. To some extent, the government sponsors various political parties to prevent unity among them. In doing so, it prospers from the division among citizens and will resort to any unscrupulous tactic to ensure that the populace remains fragmented.

Diversion
Another strategy employed by the elite class is the principle of diversion. Here, the government pushes initiatives that divert citizens' attention away from critical issues. For instance, many witnessed the arrest of activist Morara Kebaso on the same day the court ruled on the SHIF/SHA issue. He was released just a day later, prompting the question: why was he arrested that day in particular? While the average person might view this as a simple arrest, it was clearly a means of diverting attention.

Or consider the introduction of the Deputy President’s impeachment motion amidst the Adani deal controversies. These theatrics are deliberately employed to distract dissatisfied Kenyans from demanding real change, steering their focus toward irrelevant issues that do not lead to progress.
I've often tried to convince myself that the Deputy President’s impeachment doesn't fall into this category, but I keep asking, "What if it’s just a plan to divert people from more important matters?" Imagine the President and his Deputy having regular phone calls, laughing about how well the theatrics have worked. I don’t think it is the case, but I can’t entirely convince myself that it isn’t. If the Deputy President does manage to escape impeachment, then my 'what if' question might have a fitting answer.

Propaganda
The ruling class also employs propaganda and misinformation as tools of control. You will often hear government-backed headlines and hashtags aimed at discrediting movements that oppose them. A perfect example is the government's attempt to label Morara Kebaso a con artist, whose sole business is scamming people out of their money. These propaganda tactics are highly effective, with a vast majority of people believing them without question.
Co-optation of the Opposition
One more strategy worth mentioning is the government’s tactic of assigning key portfolios to the opposition, effectively neutralizing their dissent. By nominating members of the opposition to ministerial positions, the government alleviates the frustrations of discontented citizens. This sudden cooperation between the opposition and the government has led to an abrupt halt in the opposition’s critical stance. Previously dynamic opposition leaders have become hesitant, often aligning themselves with the government’s agenda after securing these positions. A significant shift has been noted in regions that once clamored for change, but now view the government more favorably.

The path to real change in Kenya lies in unity. Without it, the ruling class will continue using division, diversion, and propaganda to maintain control and mislead the public. Citizens must recognize these tactics for what they are and refuse to be drawn into infighting that benefits only the powerful. Only through unity can the people reclaim their power and bring about meaningful, lasting change.