This archive report was first published on 26 July 2020.
Published on July 26, 2020, an article in The Standard highlighted the relativity of truth in politics. The author argued that politicians are often judged based on their public image, with some being held to a higher standard than others.
Johnson Sakaja, the Senator for Nairobi, was compared to Mike Sonko, the Nairobi governor, who is known for his outspoken nature. While Sakaja is seen as a dignified and level-headed politician, Sonko's behavior is often criticized. However, the author noted that Sakaja's behavior is not as different from Sonko's as it seems, and that both politicians have been known to exhibit arrogant and threatening behavior when they feel they are not being respected.
The article also drew parallels between Sakaja and other politicians who have been held to a higher standard, such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. These leaders were seen as saints by the public, and their personal shortcomings were often overlooked. However, the author noted that even these leaders were not immune to criticism, and that their public image was often used to justify their actions.
The article concluded that politics is not about absolutism, but about relativity. The truth in politics is often subjective and influenced by various factors, including the public's perception of a politician's virtues and vices. The author used the analogy of the elephant and the five blind people to illustrate this point, noting that each person's perception of the truth is unique and influenced by their individual experiences and biases.
