"Politics is a Power Contest" Kibicho Lifts Lid on Kenya’s Dark Power Games in Explosive Social Media Post

Karanja Kibicho. Photo/Courtesy

Former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has triggered fresh debate on the nature of power and political strategy after sharing a lengthy reflection on social media drawn from Robert Greene’s book The 48 Laws of Power.

In the post, Kibicho argues that politics, despite its democratic language and moral claims, remains a contest driven by ambition, rivalry, and strategic calculation. 

He suggests that leaders who rely solely on ideals of fairness and moral purity risk being outmaneuvered by rivals who operate more tactically.

Without naming any individuals, Kibicho warns that power is unavoidable in public life and that pretending to reject it can be deceptive. 

He claims that some political actors hide behind moral language and claims of innocence while quietly shaping outcomes to their advantage. 

According to him, influence is most effective when exercised subtly, through patience, emotional control, and long-term planning rather than open confrontation.

Kibicho also emphasizes the dangers of emotion in leadership, noting that anger, impatience, and naivety weaken political judgment and expose leaders to betrayal. 

He presents politics not as a moral debate but as a strategic arena where understanding human behavior is essential for survival.

The remarks have drawn attention due to Kibicho’s long career in Kenya’s security and administrative structures, particularly during the Uhuru Kenyatta administration. 

As Interior PS, he was often associated with firm state authority and was a key figure during politically sensitive periods, including election cycles.

The post comes amid broader national conversations on leadership integrity, state power, and the balance between strategy and accountability in Kenya’s democratic process.