Saboti MP Caleb Amisi recently invoked the timeless wisdom of Niccolò Machiavelli to deliver a pointed message amid Kenya's ongoing political tensions.
In a post on X, the legislator quoted from The Prince, the 16th-century classic on power and governance, emphasizing that a ruler must avoid being hated by the people.
He paraphrased the idea that ultimate authority rests with the citizens, the leader, using President William Ruto as an illustrative example.
Amisi's reference draws from Machiavelli's core advice: while it is better for a prince to be feared than loved if he cannot have both, hatred is dangerous because it breeds rebellion.
A despised leader risks losing the very foundation of power—the consent and support of the governed.
By highlighting this, the MP appears to caution against governance styles that alienate the public through policies or actions perceived as burdensome or unresponsive.
The post concluded with a call for renewal, stating that Kenya needs a renaissance.
This suggests a desire for fresh ideas, accountability, and a shift away from entrenched political practices that prioritize elite interests over public welfare.
Amisi, a vocal critic often associated with opposition voices within ODM, has consistently challenged the current administration on issues ranging from economic hardships to alliances that he views as compromising party principles.
His words arrive against a backdrop of public discontent, youth-led movements, and debates over leadership legitimacy.
Whether seen as a subtle warning or a broader philosophical reflection, the invocation of Machiavelli underscores a recurring theme in Kenyan politics: power is transient when disconnected from the people's will.
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