4 Lessons for Kenyan Politicians from Trump’s Impeachment

As the world comes to terms with Wednesday’s impeachment of US President Donald Trump, the rare occurrence, which has only happened twice before, is a wake-up call to African countries, and especially Kenya, which is grappling with bad leadership.

While Trump still has a chance at completing his term, should the US Senate vote to exonerate him from the abuse of office and obstruction of senate charges, the situation is a perfect learning platform for Kenyan politicians, who are on the verge of dragging a 56 year-old nation down.

Here are five takeaways for the Kenyan political elite class from Trump’s impeachment:

1. The public always wins

During the 2016 US presidential election, Trump did not win the majority of American citizens’ votes.

In fact, his rival, Hilary Clinton, garnered close to three million more votes than Trump, but under the American electoral system, it is the Electoral vote, not the popular vote, that determines the winner of the presidency, which is how Trump ended up in the White House.

Nevertheless, his unpopularity among the electorate seems to have followed him into power,  granted the surprising twist of events leading to his impeachment.

Likewise, Kenyan politicians, who end up in power even without the authorization of citizens, should keep in mind that just like Trump, their chickens are also coming home to roost.

2. Accepting election results

This is a lesson learnt from the admirable gesture of Hilary, of accepting the electorate vote outcome even after massively winning the popular vote in 2016.

Three years later, America is clearly regretting the rejection of the wife of former President Bill Clinton (who was also impeached), in favour of Trump.

He (or in this case she) who laughs last laughs best.

Likewise, Kenyan politicians need to end the cycle of election violence brought about by disputed election results.

At one point, the electorate will reflect back, and probably give them their much-desired shot at leadership.

3. Don’t let power get to your head

While the House of Representatives was in the process of voting on Trump’s ouster, the President was, on the other hand, on a ridiculing spree at a rally, where he expressed his confidence that the impeachment motion would flop.

Impeached while at rally, Trump says 'having a good time'

Impeached while at rally, Trump says 'having a good time'

Posted by DAILY NATION on Thursday, 19 December 2019

Shock on him.

Kenyan politicians should, from this, learn that although they might presently feel untouchable, tables turn when least expected.

Just last week, a mere song, Wajinga Nyiyi, almost sent the country into a revolution.

4. Politics is a dirty game

And everyone acts out of their own selfish interest.

As the most powerful man on earth, Trump must have whipped a significantly large number of members of the Lower House of Congress, equivalent to Kenya’s Parliament, to vote in his favour, going by the amount of optimism he had expressed on his impeachment-vote-survival, prior to Wednesday.

The final vote, however, says otherwise, and Kenyan politicians should be wary of riding on bandwagons such as Kieleweke and Tanagatanga since in the end, it is always every man for himself.

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