Why do Kenyans applaud their ruin, reward bad governance?

President William Ruto, Deputy President Prof Kindiki Kithure and Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi share a light moment during the Third National Executive Retreat at KCB Leadership Centre in Kajiado County. [File, Standard]

There is a hard truth about Kenya that many pastors, politicians, and intellectuals avoid because it is uncomfortable: we are not only governed badly, but we also reward bad governance. Our crisis is not just one of leadership failure; it is a crisis of civic character.

A society that applauds mediocrity, excuses corruption, and mocks competence cannot change, no matter how many elections. A leader can wreck education and be awarded an honorary doctorate. A governor can bankrupt a county and be a guest of honour in church. A politician can empty the Treasury and be praised as “our son.”