Respect Is Not Subservience: Why Kenya Must Question Its Political Elders

There is a saying that has been repeated across generations: “Respect your elders.”

It is a good principle—until it is interpreted to mean that age automatically places someone beyond scrutiny.

In politics, nobody should be above questions. Not the young, not the old, not the famous, and certainly not those who have spent decades in public life.

That is the conversation Kenya needs to have as the country debates leadership, experience and the place of a new generation in politics.

Oburu’s long political journey

Oburu Oginga’s political career stretches back decades. He began his political journey as a councillor in Kisumu in 1974, the same year my mother was born in Kamser, Seka, Kendu Bay.

In 1981, he served as an economic adviser in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

He later became the Member of Parliament for Bondo in 1994 and remained in Parliament until 2013—a political career spanning roughly two decades in the constituency.

He also served as an Assistant Minister for Finance and later became a Senator.

That is a long record of public service.

And precisely because the record is long, it is legitimate for Kenyans to ask a simple question: What did that long period in power produce for the ordinary people he represented?

Where are the projects? What legislation carries his imprint? What battles did he fight that changed people’s lives?

These are not disrespectful questions. They are democratic questions.

It is also fair to question claims that an entire community has remained politically marginalized while individuals from that community have occupied significant positions in government over different administrations.

Experience should invite scrutiny, not immunity

One of the most dangerous habits in African politics is treating age and political experience as automatic evidence of competence.

Someone can spend 30, 40 or even 50 years in politics and still leave behind a record that deserves serious interrogation.

Likewise, someone can be young and inexperienced in politics but possess exceptional ability, integrity and a clear vision.

History is full of young people who accomplished extraordinary things.

Joan of Arc was only 17 when she became a symbol of French resistance.

The Bible describes Jesus as being 12 when he was in the temple engaging teachers with difficult questions.

The lesson is not that young people are automatically better than older people.

The lesson is that age alone is a poor measure of capacity.

And then there is Matiang’i

Oburu recently described former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a political novice.

Technically, Matiang’i has never been elected as an MCA, MP or Senator.

But politics is not the only measure of leadership.

Before entering elective politics, Matiang’i had an academic and professional career that included teaching at Egerton University and the University of Nairobi, as well as academic work abroad.

He also worked with international institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank.

His time in government gave him experience in several powerful ministries.

As Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Kenya continued its rapid journey toward a more digitally connected society.

As Education CS, he became associated with reforms around national examinations and efforts to strengthen discipline and integrity in the examination system.

Then came Interior.

That is where his reputation became particularly controversial and fiercely debated.

Supporters point to the firmness with which he approached security and public order. Critics have raised serious questions about the methods used by the security agencies under his watch.

Either way, dismissing his entire public record simply because he never won an election would be too simplistic.

Elections are not the only measure of leadership

Kenya needs to stop pretending that winning an election automatically makes someone more competent than a person who has never contested one.

An elected leader has something invaluable: a democratic mandate.

But professional experience, academic achievement, institutional leadership and performance in public office also matter.

The better question should therefore be:

What have you done with the opportunities you have been given?

What did you achieve?

What did you change?

Who benefited?

What did you stand for when it was unpopular?

And perhaps most importantly: What can you realistically deliver next?

Young Kenyans have every right to ask

There is nothing disrespectful about a young Kenyan looking at the country’s political history and asking difficult questions.

In fact, that is precisely what citizens should do.

Respect does not mean silence.

Respect does not mean obedience.

Respect does not mean surrendering your political judgment to someone simply because they are older.

Respect is not synonymous with subservience.

Every Kenyan has a constitutional right to examine a politician’s record and decide whether that person deserves their vote.

And that applies equally to Oburu, Matiang’i, Ruto, Raila, Gachagua—or any other politician.

Kenya needs results, not political mythology

The country does not need politicians to be worshipped because they have survived decades in politics.

Kenya needs leaders who can demonstrate what they have achieved and explain what they intend to achieve next.

We need experienced leaders when their experience produces wisdom and results.

But we should also give space to young leaders—especially those who have demonstrated competence outside traditional political structures.

Being a “greenhorn” should not automatically be an insult.

Sometimes the person with less political baggage is exactly the person capable of bringing fresh thinking to an old problem.

Kenya’s next generation should therefore not be afraid to interrogate political history.

Read the records.

Ask the uncomfortable questions.

Compare performance.

Challenge empty slogans.

And then make your own decision at the ballot.

You don’t have to vote for Matiang’i.

You don’t have to vote for Oburu.

You don’t have to vote for anyone simply because someone tells you that they are an elder.

Your vote is yours. Your judgment is yours. Your future is yours.

As the saying attributed to Thomas Jefferson goes:

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

Kenya needs citizens who can do exactly that.