Stockholm Syndrome Among Kenyans and Their Political Elects: Breaking Free from the Cycle of Blind Loyalty

 

In Kenya, politics underpins nearly every aspect of life, from healthcare to the economy, directly impacting citizens’ quality of life. However, despite repeated failures by our leaders to deliver on promises, the majority of the electorate consistently rallies behind them. This paradox can be seen as a form of Stockholm syndrome, where the Kenyan public, much like captives, display irrational loyalty to their captors—our political leaders—despite clear evidence of harm. This syndrome not only stalls national progress but also breeds a culture of unaccountability, where leaders are emboldened to make decisions that further deepen the plight of ordinary Kenyans.

The Nature of Stockholm Syndrome in Kenyan Politics

Stockholm syndrome is often associated with a psychological phenomenon where hostages develop positive feelings towards their captors, viewing them as protectors instead of adversaries. In Kenya, this syndrome manifests in the public’s support for politicians who routinely disregard constitutional mandates, misuse public funds, and impose burdensome policies. The electorate’s tendency to support these leaders unconditionally—even after witnessing decades of broken promises and economic sabotage—reveals a deep-seated loyalty that defies rational political judgment.

Kenyan politics is heavily influenced by tribal allegiance, where many citizens feel obligated to support their ethnic kin regardless of the individual's track record. In doing so, they ignore leadership faults and justify actions that perpetuate inequality and economic degradation. This allegiance creates a sense of attachment that mirrors Stockholm syndrome, allowing leaders to abuse power while receiving unwavering loyalty. Leaders, in turn, exploit these sentiments, encouraging their supporters to view criticism as an attack on the community or tribe rather than as an opportunity for necessary change.

Tribalism: The Root of Political Captivity

One of the biggest drivers of this syndrome in Kenya is tribalism. Kenyan politics is deeply entrenched in ethnic affiliations, which political leaders exploit to maintain power. Politicians frame their ascension as a tribal victory, binding communities to their cause even when their leadership record is poor. This allegiance often supersedes rational analysis of a politician’s performance, as criticism against “one of our own” is seen as disloyalty to the tribe.

Tribalism fosters an environment where poor leadership thrives because it shifts focus from accountability to loyalty. A leader's missteps are often overlooked if they belong to the “right” tribe. This mindset has seen leaders who are known for corruption and mismanagement re-elected time and again, reinforcing a system where political leaders have little incentive to change their approach. In the absence of objective scrutiny, tribal loyalty blinds the electorate, creating a cycle of dependency and disappointment.

The Economic and Social Costs of Unquestioned Loyalty

The Stockholm syndrome that characterizes Kenyan politics comes at a high cost. Economically, Kenya struggles with high unemployment rates, excessive public debt, and a ballooning tax burden. Rather than addressing these issues, politicians enact policies that worsen the situation, with minimal opposition from their constituents. This support is particularly baffling, as many Kenyans are directly affected by the policies they endorse.

For example, recent decisions by Kenyan lawmakers to increase taxes, raise fuel levies, and support deals with foreign entities have met with muted public opposition despite their adverse effects on daily living costs. The infamous Gen Z demonstrations highlighted growing discontent among the youth but failed to catalyze widespread, lasting accountability. Instead, most Kenyans have reverted to the status quo, expressing grievances privately while supporting leaders publicly. This dissonance allows politicians to continue making harmful economic choices without fear of backlash.

In the health sector, this loyalty has equally damaging consequences. Hospitals remain underfunded, and medical professionals are often underpaid and overstretched, yet healthcare budgets are routinely misappropriated by politicians. Kenyans face poor healthcare infrastructure while government officials seek treatment abroad, funded by the public’s taxes. Yet, few voices challenge this glaring inequality because the electorate sees their leaders as tribal champions rather than as public servants failing their constituents.

The Moral Implications of Stockholm Syndrome in Politics

The psychological grip that Stockholm syndrome has on Kenyan voters is not merely a political or economic issue—it’s a moral one. By consistently excusing poor governance, Kenyans indirectly condone and perpetuate unethical practices that hinder the country’s development. Supporting leaders who engage in corruption or misuse of public office contributes to the erosion of societal values. It signals to future generations that moral compromises in leadership are acceptable as long as tribal identity is preserved.

This has left Kenya with a void in moral authority. Leaders act with impunity, passing bills that benefit them at the expense of the public. This was recently evident with proposals to increase salaries for high-ranking officials while the average Kenyan struggles with inflation and lack of opportunity. Such policies demonstrate that, for Kenyan politicians, public office is more about personal gain than public service. Yet, the electorate continues to support them, effectively sanctioning a system where politicians prioritize self-interest over the common good.

Breaking Free: The Call for Accountability Beyond Tribal Lines

To address these issues, Kenyans must break free from the Stockholm syndrome mentality. A new era of politics—defined by accountability and integrity—is essential for progress. Holding leaders to high standards should not be viewed as betrayal but as an act of patriotism. Leaders should be held accountable for their actions regardless of their ethnic backgrounds or affiliations. Kenya needs a citizenry that understands the power of its vote, which can shape the future by rewarding capable and ethical leaders.

A shift in mentality is required where the electorate prioritizes issues over ethnicity, integrity over loyalty, and results over rhetoric. Recent examples from nations around the world demonstrate that democratic progress hinges on active citizen participation and critical evaluation of leadership. It is time for Kenyans to demand the same level of transparency and service from their leaders, transcending tribal affiliations to build a country based on accountability and equitable governance.

The Future of Kenyan Politics: Hope in the Youth

Kenya’s youth offer a glimmer of hope for breaking this cycle. Unlike previous generations, younger Kenyans are less constrained by tribal biases and more likely to question authority. They were at the forefront of the Gen Z demonstrations, signaling an emerging desire for change. This generation has experienced the adverse effects of poor governance firsthand and appears less willing to tolerate it.

By embracing accountability and rejecting the Stockholm syndrome mindset, Kenya can harness the potential of its youth to usher in a new era of politics. This movement requires not only questioning leaders but also voting responsibly, supporting policies that benefit the nation rather than individual tribes, and demanding reforms in areas like economic policy, healthcare, and education.