The Hidden Political Tactics That Keep You Poor & Powerless

 

Photo: Raila Odunga at a past opposition rally.

Why You Struggle Financially And Who Benefits?

Have you ever wondered why, no matter how hard you work, you still struggle financially? Why opportunities seem reserved for a select few while the majority remain trapped in a cycle of poverty? It’s not by accident. It’s by design.

Politicians and powerful elites have mastered a system that ensures you remain poor, dependent, and powerless—while they thrive. If you don’t understand these tactics, you will keep struggling, working hard for little, and being used when elections come.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Deliberate Cycle of Economic Hardship

Tactic: Keeping the Economy Rigged

Many politicians don’t want you to be financially independent. A poor population is an easily controlled population.

They create fake job promises before elections, but after winning, the youth remain unemployed.

They overtax small businesses while giving tax breaks to the wealthy.

They ensure government contracts and funding go to their inner circles, shutting out ordinary citizens.

👉 Result? You remain financially frustrated, unable to invest, grow, or break free. This makes you desperate when they come offering handouts in exchange for your loyalty.

2. The Weaponization of Education & Misinformation

Tactic: Keeping You Distracted & Uninformed

Do you know why civic education is almost non-existent? Because an informed population asks questions—and that’s dangerous for corrupt politicians.

Instead, they:

Underfund public education while sending their children to top international schools.

Control media narratives to spread propaganda and keep you misinformed.

Keep people distracted with entertainment and scandals, while important policies that affect your life are passed in silence.

👉 Result? Many citizens don’t understand how policies work, how government budgets are allocated, or even their rights. This allows politicians to manipulate voters easily.

3. The Divide-and-Rule Strategy

Tactic: Turning Communities Against Each Other

Ever noticed how every election season, tribal politics, religious differences, and class wars dominate the news? That’s intentional.

They fuel tribal hatred so that people don’t unite against them.

They keep the poor blaming each other instead of demanding better governance.

They use fear and false promises to keep different groups divided.

👉 Result? Instead of holding them accountable, people fight each other, making real change impossible.

Photo Credits: G. Z'ay

4. The Election-Time Handouts Trap

Tactic: Buying Loyalty with Temporary Relief

Before elections, suddenly:

Roads are fixed overnight.

Leaders appear with money, food, or bursaries to distribute.

Big promises are made about jobs, development, and a better future.

But ask yourself:

❌ Where were they for the last five years?

❌ Why do services suddenly improve only before elections?

❌ If they had the power to fix things now, why didn’t they do it earlier?

👉 Result? People accept short-term handouts and forget to demand long-term solutions. The cycle repeats every election.

What Can You Do?

Gen Z Demonstrations 2024, Nairobi Kenya 

If you’re tired of this system, the only way out is knowledge and action.

✅ Educate yourself and others—understanding your rights is the first step.

✅ Support civic education initiatives—people need to know how the system works.

✅ Demand policy changes—stop voting based on tribe or handouts.

✅Take ID's , Register as Voters and Turn Out to vote our bad leadership.

 

💡 Join us at Edit One Kenya (EoK) as we break this cycle through civic education, youth empowerment, and fearless journalism.

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