By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
If you want to understand a country, don’t read its constitution — read its memes.
In Kenya, politics isn’t just a civic duty. It’s a lifestyle, a spectator sport, and a national drama series with plot twists better than Netflix. You don’t watch politics here — you live it, argue it, meme it, and sometimes even sing it.
Politicians or Performers?
Kenyan politicians are many things: charismatic, colorful, and occasionally confusing. They speak in riddles, metaphors, and the Queen’s English (when cameras are rolling).
One day they’re arch-rivals. The next? They’re hugging on stage. It’s like WWE — with suits.
🎭 Fun Fact: Most campaign promises are not legally binding. But that doesn’t stop voters from reminding them every day on Twitter with memes, voice notes, and the classic “uko wapi” (where are you?) sarcasm.
🧙♂️ Bonus Insight: Some politicians have personal prophets, astrologers, and rainmakers on staff. Others rely solely on the power of Wi-Fi and WhatsApp forwards.
📢 Tidbit: Political rallies here double as music festivals. You might come for the speech but stay for the DJ, the dancers, and the chance to walk away with a branded t-shirt and a kilo of unga (maize flour).
The Meme Factory
Kenya might just have the most active meme community in Africa. When news breaks, memes follow — instantly. Politicians, potholes, power outages, nothing is sacred.
📌 Example: When fuel prices rose, someone made a meme of boda boda riders holding job interviews to become Uber Eats walkers — “Now hiring: Strong knees, steady hands, and moral flexibility.”
😂 Hilarious Insight: A politician once tripped on stage, and 10 minutes later, he was trending globally as “Hon. Acrobat MP.” There was even a remix set to Gengetone beats.
🎨 Extra Tidbit: Kenya’s meme economy is so strong, there’s a meme response for every mood. Happy? Meme. Angry? Meme. Heartbroken? Meme with Nyashinski lyrics.
Radio and Talk Shows – Where Democracy Gets Loud
Kenyan talk radio is where policies go to be roasted. Call-in segments feature everyone from truck drivers to witch doctors, all giving their take on taxes and corruption.
📻 Fun Fact: There’s a guy who’s called every morning show in the country. He’s known only as “Mwangi from Rongai,” and his hot takes once got him invited to Parliament. As a guest. To observe. From the gallery.
🎤 Side Note: Some callers introduce themselves with tribal riddles before dropping economic advice stronger than any IMF report.
Street Art and Protest Banners
Protest signs are not angry rants — they are masterpieces of satire, sarcasm, and Shakespearean-level burns.
Example: “Lower Taxes or We Date Your Daughters.” You won’t know whether to riot or laugh. Others say: “Even Wi-Fi disconnects when leaders speak.”
🎨 Fun Fact: Protest banners are often repurposed old bedsheets with permanent marker. DIY political commentary meets high fashion.
🧠 Magical Realism? Yes, Please.
In Kenya, a politician might claim rain was sent by their party. Or that a stolen goat returned home after hearing the national anthem. And somehow, people will nod thoughtfully.
Or a leader may announce “we’re working on bringing down the price of bread” — and the next day, mandazi sellers start whispering about currency wars.
Bonus: A politician once blamed inflation on “too much happiness in December.”
This is not madness. This is Kenya — where fact and fiction tango like old lovers. It’s logic with seasoning. Reality, but spicy. It’s “Game of Thrones” meets community WhatsApp group.
Final Word
Politics in Kenya isn’t just about governance. It’s theater, entertainment, tradition, and collective therapy. It’s a place where truth wears a wig, satire runs for office, and logic occasionally calls in sick.
It’s beautiful. It’s exhausting. It’s so Kenyan.
Next up in Chapter Twenty:
“The Nairobian Hustle – Side Hustles, Shamba Pride, and Digital Dreams.”
About the Author
John is an entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of JS Morlu, LLC, a Virginia based CPA firm with multiple software ventures including www.FinovatePro.com, www.Recksoft.com and www.Fixaars.com . With operations spanning multiple countries, John is on a mission to build global infrastructure that empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. He believes in hard truths, smart execution, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. When he’s not writing or building, he’s challenging someone to a productivity contest—or inventing software that automates it.
