By James Munene Thuku
Citizen. Advocate. Optimist (even in this economy)
From Running Mates to Running Mouths, Tumechoka! We Want Work
Picture this.
You’re home watching the news after a long day dodging potholes, fuel prices, and your landlord’s calls. And there it is again, your President and Deputy President throwing shade at each other like teenagers in a school debate.
Not to be outdone, your Governor and her Deputy are busy exchanging press statements while trash piles up in town.
And you, dear mwananchi? You just wanted clean water, peace, and maybe one working public toilet in your ward.
We’ve Seen This Before (And We’re Tired)
We clapped when Uhuru and Ruto hugged on the podium in 2013. We clapped again in 2017. But come 2018? The bromance ended faster than your last chama loan cycle. Suddenly, there were two governments in one; both yours, but neither really serving you.
Fast forward to Ruto and Gachagua. One is planting trees. The other is planting political landmines for 2027. And you’re just trying to plant sukuma in your backyard without water rationing.
Meanwhile, in Meru, Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her Deputy made news for turning the county assembly into a soap opera. What began as a partnership turned into a headline. No development. Just drama.
Kenyans, we’re not watching governance anymore, we’re watching Season 6 of “echoes of war”
But Seriously, This Is Not Funny Anymore
Leadership is not a TikTok duet. When the top two leaders can’t sing the same tune, the whole nation gets off-key. What happens?
- Roads stop mid-construction.
- Education Systems collapse
- Health systems collapse.
- Bursaries delay.
- Kenyans suffer.
- Then they come asking for votes—together again like nothing happened.
We need to stop giving them the script for this political comedy-tragedy
My Proposal: Simple, Sweet, and Sensible
Here’s the deal:
If you run as a pair—you leave as a pair. No “I was just the Deputy” excuses. After leaving office, you wait 30 months (2.1/2years) before running for the top job. Cool down, reflect, write a book… maybe learn to be humble and accountable.
And the President or Governor? Must give their Deputy written roles via Executive Order. No more “flower girl” jobs. Deputies are not just seat warmers, they should work or go home.
Laughter Is Good, But Hunger Isn’t
Dear MPs, Senators, and Governors reading this: Let’s be honest.
You’ve seen the damage when top offices become battlefields. You’ve been caught between rival camps. You’ve postponed projects. You’ve tried to pick sides.
You’ve watched good laws rot while powerful egos clashed.
Now imagine a Kenya where:
- Leaders act like teammates, not rivals.
- Deputies focus on duties, not social media beef.
- Politics takes a break and service resumes.
Isn’t that the Kenya we all want?
The Rest of the World Isn’t This Dramatic
- In South Africa, the Deputy serves at the pleasure of the President. You misbehave, you pack and go.
- In Rwanda, leadership is streamlined and stable. No shouting matches on national TV.
- Even in the U.S., Vice Presidents don’t campaign against sitting Presidents during the same term. It’s political suicide!
Let’s stop being the laughingstock of the continent and the world at large.
Why This Matters to Every Kenyan Who Wants a Better Tomorrow
This proposal means:
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Less politics, more development — Leaders won’t be distracted by constant campaigns.
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Unity in government — Deputies won’t undermine their bosses just to take their place.
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Smoother transitions — A 30-month gap provides time for calm and thoughtful leadership changes.
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Clarity in roles — Executive Orders will ensure Deputies have clear responsibilities.
This Isn’t Just a Bill; It’s Your Battle Too
This amendment will head to Parliament. Then it comes to you, the people.
The same way you lined up to vote with hope in your hearts, you’ll line up again to say:
“We’re done with drama.”
“We want maturity in leadership.”
“We want public service, not public spectacle.”
Let’s vote for peace. For dignity. For development that doesn’t come with side gossip.
Let’s Fix It Now, or Watch It Collapse Later, The Choice Is Ours
Before the next fight or next elections. Before another Deputy starts a campaign 6 months into office. Before another county becomes a circus—let’s fix this.
I believe in you. I believe in Kenya. I believe we can rewrite the script.
Let us move from rivalry to responsibility, from blame games to building, from pomp to performance.
Because…
Together, We Can Do More.
