Jeremiah Kioni Calls Out Kenya’s Political Class: A Wake-Up Call from Within

In a political landscape often dominated by noise, slogans, and grandstanding, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has emerged as one of the few voices calling for sanity and substance. His recent remarks criticizing both the government and the opposition have sparked fresh debate about the state of Kenyan politics — and perhaps, a reflection on where the country is headed.

“Petty Politics Won’t Feed Kenyans” — Kioni’s Message

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Kioni expressed frustration over what he described as the “cheap politics of insults and name-calling” that have taken over Kenya’s political scene.

He noted that rather than focusing on solutions to pressing national issues such as the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and corruption, political leaders have turned national discourse into a battlefield of personal rivalries and hashtags.

“Every day we wake up to slogans and sideshows — yet Kenyans are still struggling with high prices, joblessness, and hunger. This kind of politics won’t build the nation,” Kioni stated.

His comments were aimed at both sides of the aisle — the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition Azimio coalition — accusing them of prioritizing personal image wars and populist soundbites over real policy direction.

The Political Context

Kioni’s criticism comes at a time when the country is experiencing deepening political polarization. The ruling coalition, led by President William Ruto, continues to push its economic transformation agenda amid challenges of public debt, rising taxes, and discontent from citizens.

Meanwhile, the opposition, under Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition, has been active in rallies and public commentary, often accusing the government of poor governance, corruption, and betrayal of campaign promises.

However, Kioni argues that both camps have failed to inspire hope or offer tangible solutions. Instead, politics has become a series of reactive statements, with little coordination on national priorities like affordable healthcare, education, or industrial growth.

A Country Stuck in Campaign Mode

One of Kioni’s most striking observations is that Kenya appears to be “stuck in a permanent campaign season.”
Since the 2022 elections, the country has barely had breathing space from political theatrics — from parliamentary disputes to social media wars. Every policy move becomes an opportunity for political scoring rather than meaningful dialogue.

Analysts have echoed Kioni’s sentiments, noting that endless politicking discourages investors, derails governance, and polarizes the population along tribal or partisan lines.

Dr. Mercy Njoroge, a political analyst from the University of Nairobi, recently observed:

“Kenya’s biggest problem is not a lack of ideas but a lack of focus. Politicians are too busy trying to outshine each other instead of building consensus for growth.”

The Jubilee Party’s Place in All This

Once a powerhouse in Kenyan politics, the Jubilee Party has struggled to redefine itself after losing power in 2022. Internal wrangles, defections, and leadership disputes have weakened its influence — but Kioni seems determined to rebuild it on principles of accountability and national unity.

His recent outburst may be part of an effort to reposition Jubilee as a moral voice — one that calls for maturity and national interest over blind partisanship.

He has also hinted that the party will embark on grassroots revitalization to reconnect with ordinary Kenyans, especially the youth who feel alienated from traditional politics.

Public Reaction: A Mixed Bag

Online, Kenyans have reacted to Kioni’s comments with a mix of praise and skepticism.
Supporters see him as a rare politician willing to challenge both sides, while critics dismiss his remarks as political posturing from a party seeking relevance.

“Kioni is saying what everyone knows — politics in Kenya has lost direction. But the question is, can he walk the talk?” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter).

Others argue that while his words carry weight, they must be followed by practical political reform within Jubilee and other parties to promote youth inclusion, transparency, and issue-based debate.

A Call for Issue-Based Politics

Kenya is at a crossroads. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, citizens are already weary of promises and blame games.
Kioni’s remarks, whether strategic or sincere, have reignited a crucial conversation: should Kenya continue down the path of divisive politics, or can it chart a new course focused on ideas, innovation, and integrity?

For many Kenyans, the answer is clear — politics should return to serving people, not personalities.

The Road Ahead

Whether Jeremiah Kioni’s words will spark real change remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his message has struck a chord. The Kenyan people are tired of endless political noise that does not translate into progress.

If more leaders begin to echo this sentiment — and act on it — Kenya might finally move closer to what democracy should truly mean: leadership that listens, unites, and delivers.