Kenya Politics vs. Kenya Football: Same Script, Different Stadium

In Kenya, the line between political drama and football unpredictability has become increasingly blurred, offering citizens a unique lens through which to view national events.

Following the Harambee Stars’ unexpected 1-0 victory over Morocco, a team that would later clinch the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title, and their subsequent loss to Madagascar, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took to Facebook, stating:

“We beat Morocco, lost to Madagascar. Lessons learnt…” [1]

This remark sparked a wave of reactions from Kenyans, who drew parallels between the nation’s football outcomes and its political landscape.

One notable response came from Mugo Karanja, who commented:

“We elected Gachagua, Kindiki was selected. Lessons learnt.” [2]

This sentiment reflects a broader public discourse on the circumstances surrounding Kindiki’s ascension to the deputy presidency. In October 2024, following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto nominated then-Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his replacement. The nomination was swiftly approved by Parliament, leading to Kindiki’s swearing-in. [3][4]
The juxtaposition of football and politics in Kenya underscores a recurring theme: outcomes that defy expectations. Whether it’s a football team defeating a formidable opponent only to falter in the next match, or political appointments that surprise the electorate, the phrase “lessons learnt” has become a euphemism for the unpredictable nature of Kenyan affairs.

As the nation reflects on these events, some citizens humorously suggest that the national anthem might need a revision to capture the essence of these experiences:

“O God of all second-hand winners…”

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Citations:

1. Facebook: www.facebook.com/KithureKindiki/posts/we-beat-morocco-lost-to-madagascar-lessons-learnt/1319080593169114/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Facebook: www.facebook.com/100075532795406/posts/%F0%9D%97%9E%F0%9D%97%B6%F0%9D%98%81%F0%9D%97%B5%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%B2-%F0%9D%97%9E%F0%9D%97%B6%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%97%B1%F0%9D%97%B6%F0%9D%97%B8%F0%9D%97%B6we-beat-morocco-lost-to-madagascar-lessons-learnt-%F0%9D%97%A0%F0%9D%98%82%F0%9D%97%B4%F0%9D%97%BC-%F0%9D%97%9E%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%97%B7%F0%9D%97%AEwe-/790454286815657/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Eye Radio: www.eyeradio.org/president-ruto-nominates-kindiki-as-deputy-president-to-replace-gachagua/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. The EastAfrican: www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/end-of-the-road-for-gachagua-swearing-in-of-kindiki-as-kenya-dp-4806760?utm_source=chatgpt.com