Former unionist and human rights advocate Dr Isaac Newton Kinity has issued a scathing critique of Kenya’s political class, accusing successive regimes of perpetuating corruption, economic ruin, and politically motivated killings.
In a strongly worded statement, Kinity condemned the practice of recycling leaders from past administrations, warning that their so-called “political experience” has only deepened the suffering of ordinary Kenyans.
“Since the death of Jomo Kenyatta in 1978, Kenyan politics has been shaped by the same cast of corrupt individuals who move from one administration to another, cloaked in promises of reform,” said Kinity. “This cycle has delivered nothing but pain, land grabbing, looting of public resources, extrajudicial killings, and economic suppression.”
Kinity questioned the logic of entrusting leadership to individuals who participated in, or benefited from, past regimes marred by scandals and human rights violations. “What experience do Kenyans expect from those who looted and killed? Except to loot more and silence those who challenge them,” he posed.
The former Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union noted that the most vulnerable segments of society, mothers, children, the elderly, and the unemployed youth, have borne the brunt of the failures of government after government.
Drawing attention to the extortion of the business community by powerful politicians, Kinity lamented how businesses are forced to pay protection money despite already being taxed to fund security services. “Businesses create jobs. Killing businesses is killing job opportunities,” he warned, adding that corrupt political networks were sabotaging Kenya’s economic growth.
In a pointed message to President William Ruto, Kinity urged a complete departure from the politics of the past. “We must reject the absurdity of believing that those who created the mess can clean it up. No positive change can come from experience rooted in corruption and impunity.”
While acknowledging the Gen Z the movement’s potential, if it organizes with purpose and direction, to reshape the country’s political and development destiny, “You succeeded in taking over Parliament. You only slipped, you didn’t fall. With clear leadership next time, total success is possible.”
Kinity’s made a rallying call for a new political direction led by leaders untainted by past regimes. “The youth, mothers, and ordinary Kenyans must be vigilant and refuse to be seduced by empty rhetoric. Real transformation requires fresh, ethical, and courageous leadership, not political fossils disguised as experienced saviors.”