Why Ethnic entitlement remains a major Political Capital in Kenya
Photo : From right Mwai Kibaki, Kijana Wamalwa, Charity Ngilu during the nascent stages of NARC formation. Ethnic entitlement remains a prominent factor in Kenyan politics due to the country's intricate history and socio-economic dynamics. The colonial government created divisions and favored certain areas over others, leading to unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. Post-independence leaders often exploited these ethnic divisions to retain power, fostering a sense of entitlement among their ethnic groups. This has led to a perception that access to state resources and power is tied to one's ethnicity, with certain groups feeling they deserve a share of the pie. Politicians often appeal to ethnic sentiments to mobilize support, promising benefits and opportunities to their ethnic kin. The winner-takes-it-all nature of presidential politics exacerbates this, as leaders are expected to reward their supporters and punish opponents. More...