Page 20 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 35
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C omm unit y
Community
ideology encapsulates the idea that society speech.
is sharply divided into two opposing
camps: “the people,” who are depicted as The prevailing interpretation of populism in
an inherently virtuous and morally superior Kenya has gradually eroded the foundations
force, and “the corrupt elite,” who are vilified of rational thinking and critical social
as the antithesis of this noble essence. The perspectives that empower individuals
dramatic tension between these groups to question the status quo. As a result,
creates a compelling narrative that resonates countless men find themselves feeling
deeply within the fabric of Kenyan society. emasculated, caught in a web woven from
Unfortunately, our political landscape is the criminalization of unemployment, the
dominated by corrupt elites who expertly degradation of the environment, the harsh
manipulate the electorate—primarily men— realities of poverty, and non-human-centric
into believing that their fellow corrupt elites policies that strip away their capacity for
are not the answer. This misleading narrative meaningful existence.
reverberates through political rallies and
events, where control and dominance are In moments of despair, when men feel they
constantly affirmed, reinforcing the status can no longer meet societal expectations,
quo within their communities. they often default to deferring their
responsibilities to a dominant male figure.
As a result, we observe the rise of various This archetype of masculinity is deeply
political entities that appear indifferent to entrenched in the cultural narrative,
critical issues such as psychosocial health, characterized by aggressive behaviors,
economic stability, and the intrinsic dignity corrupt practices, and abusive leadership,
of the human experience. This journey has which collectively set a troubling benchmark
been marked by deep-seated abuse, with for what constitutes success.
politicians dismantling the foundations of
social cohesion and economic empowerment. Our criteria for judging who is fit for public
They actively choose to ignore the collective office have become distorted, as we abandon
trauma that burdens our society, neglecting the essential dignity and humanity that
the vital need to heal and restore the should lie at the heart of true masculinity.
wholeness of humanity. Men need to be aware that if they believe
they have a politician dancing to their
Why aren’t men questioning the tune, it would be prudent to assess their
contradictory political ideologies that own vulnerabilities. When that politician’s
perpetuate social classes created by corrupt influence turns oppressive, the lines
elites to sustain their power? We must between political affiliations blur, rendering
recognize that the social fabric has been ideological differences irrelevant.
subject to the political capture of the arts,
spirituality, and the people’s right to free In essence, much like a child learns to stand
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