BWIRE: Let's reduce the risk of electing political influencers

The idea of electing political influencers, especially political social media influencers, just doesn’t sit well. I’m sure many would agree that political influencers spin and paint a very perfect picture of those that pay them, to the point that they buy into the hearts of the electorate to vote in their bosses.

Many times, these same social media political influencers get trapped into the kind of pomp, colour, influence and money that those they work for receive. More often than not, these influencers then vie for political seats.

Political influencers are good at marketing, propaganda and spin. What would stop these influencers from using the same campaign gimmicks, and if they eventually win, govern with the same tricks they used for their bosses? In this case, some bad politicians are born out of the bad politicians they emulate, and the cycle continues.

Social media influencers turned politicians and others are some of the moral questions we Kenyans should ask ourselves when we see these popular individuals on the ballot box.

The fundamental question by the electorate should be, if the influencers turned candidates have the necessary leadership qualities, and the potential to deliver once elected. Their potential to deliver should be the bare minimum.

Case in point, one well-known influencer on the social media streets, is popularly known to be a well-researched key-board warrior, but she cannot articulate herself well and persuade when given a serious forum.

Another influencer turned politician from the 2022 general election is still known for being very good on written insults on social media but very low delivery. Many other current examples still exist of influencers turned politicians and barely have what it takes to deliver.

So what should electorates do in such a moment, where popularity risks replacing competence? Since we are now in campaign mode for the 2027 general elections, first, Kenyans must become more deliberate and critical in how they assess leadership.

Beyond the usual viral posts and trending hashtags, we the voters must interrogate real substance, with lessons from countries that have it right. Even if it’s an influencer vying, what is her or his track record? Have they demonstrated leadership beyond the screen in any capacity, from community level to the world stage? Have they engaged in community work, policy discussions, or initiatives that show a commitment to public service? For the upcoming elections, by all means, popularity should never be mistaken for a candidates preparedness.

Secondly, there is a need to separate good communication skills from leadership ability. While it is true that good leaders must communicate effectively, not all effective communicators make good leaders.

Real governance, especially in developing contexts, requires patience, negotiation, technical understanding, and the ability to make difficult decisions that may not always be popular. These are qualities that cannot be filtered, edited, rehearsed and get well curated and timed like a simple social media post.

Third, elections related institutions such as political parties and electoral bodies must also take responsibility. They should enforce stricter vetting processes to ensure that those seeking office meet certain thresholds of integrity, competence, and experience.

Leaving this burden of knowing which influencer is genuine entirely to the electorate, in this day and age of misinformation, disinformation  and manipulation, might risk lowering the quality of leadership that we get come 2027.

Finally, civic education just has to be strengthened. Citizens, especially the youth who are the present and future of our country need continuous awareness on their role as voters and as custodians of democracy.

Most in Kenya at the moment can agree that the choices we make at the ballot box have long-term consequences that extend far beyond election cycles.

In the end, democracy is only as strong as the decisions of we the people. If we Kenyans reward propaganda, influencer performative deceptive politics over real performance, then we inadvertently sustain the very cycle we constantly complain about.

Breaking this cycle just needs vigilance, accountability during this campaign period and ultimately the commitment to choosing leaders not for how well they trend, where they travel to, who they hang out with and look, but for how well they can truly lead.

In 2027, let us vote for individuals with proven integrity, public service record, policy understanding, community engagement, accountability, and the pure courage to lead beyond popularity.

All things considered, this ideal candidate should be able to eradicate poverty and all forms of development deficits in key areas like education, infrastructure, healthcare and economic opportunities that lead to poor living standards and inequality.