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Janet Mbugua: Kenyans must stop treating political leaders like entertainers
20th September, 2026 12:28 PM
Media personality Janet Mbugua has urged Kenyans to rethink how they engage with political leaders, saying citizens should not treat politicians like entertainers whose words and actions are accepted without question.
Janet shared the remarks in a post on her Instagram page on Sunday, September 20, 2026, reflecting on the recent Linda Mwananchi rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi.
The rally, held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, brought together thousands of supporters as the movement’s leaders travelled through parts of Nairobi before addressing the crowd at Jacaranda.
Janet highlights three tests from Jacaranda rally
Janet said large political rallies are often judged by the size of the crowd, with a big turnout being seen as a sign of influence.
However, she said there were other lessons that Kenyans needed to consider from the Jacaranda gathering. She described them as three tests, two focusing on political leadership and one on citizens.
The first, she said, was how leaders interact with the people supporting their movements.
Janet referred to an incident involving Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and political activist Abbie Zuena during the rally. She said Babu’s remarks towards Abbie had raised concerns because statements made by influential leaders can easily affect how a crowd treats the person being addressed.
She explained that when a leader singles someone out without providing enough context, members of the crowd may interpret the remarks differently. According to Janet, leaders therefore need to be careful about how they engage with people who play a role in mobilising and supporting their movements.
‘When we act like fans’
The second test, according to Janet, was whether Kenyans could turn up for political movements without being paid to attend. She noted that political rallies in Kenya have often been associated with claims of people being given money to attend and create an impression of large support.
Janet said citizens can also demonstrate their support by using their own resources to attend political events when they genuinely believe in a movement or its leaders.
She then turned to the third test, which she said was inspired by a TikTok video she had watched. Janet quoted the message from the video, which she said had stood out to her.
“When we act like fans, we end up employing or hiring entertainers. When we act like employees, then we end up hiring employers,” she quoted.
She used the statement to encourage Kenyans to examine the way they view political leaders, arguing that treating politicians like celebrities can make accountability difficult.
Janet calls for more accountability
Janet said being a political leader’s supporter should not mean agreeing with everything they say or do.
She explained that fans may applaud, cheer and respond to entertainment without necessarily asking difficult questions. In politics, however, she said citizens have a responsibility to question those they give power to.
She acknowledged that the country is entering a politically sensitive period ahead of the 2027 General Election, when political disagreements are likely to become more intense.
“There’s going to be a lot of character assassination. There’s going to be a lot of abuse because you come from a certain tribe or you’re a certain gender. I’m well aware, and I think I’m going to, you know, expect it,” Janet said.
She added that her platform would continue to encourage respectful discussions, critical thinking and disagreement without resorting to insults.
‘We do have a habit of looking for a saviour’
Janet further challenged Kenyans to avoid placing all their hopes in one political leader. She acknowledged that many citizens are frustrated by issues including corruption, insecurity and what she described as a lack of direction in the country.
However, she noted that previous governments had also faced criticism and that Kenyans should be willing to question leaders regardless of their political affiliation.
For Janet, accountability requires citizens to question even people they support, particularly when doing so could affect their loyalty or challenge their existing beliefs.
