Julius Malema's Controversial Impact in Kenya: Unraveling the Reason behind the South African Politician's Polarizing Reputation

On 9 November, two men delivered speeches in Kenya that sparked comparisons and debate. President William Ruto and South African opposition leader Julius Malema both addressed the nation, but their approaches were vastly different. While Ruto's formal State of the Nation Address was met with sombre reactions, Malema's explosive speech at the launch of the Pan-African Institute received wild cheers. Malema's decision to criticize Ruto and his failure to deliver on election promises resonated with many Kenyans. The young generation identified with Malema's fight against oppressive regimes and saw his speech as a show of solidarity. The Pan-African Institute's chair, Prof PLO Lumumba, believes Malema represents a new generation of African leaders who can articulate the concerns of young voters. Malema's reputation and popularity in Kenya stem from his fiery speeches in the South African parliament, which have been widely shared in the country. The Kenyan government expressed anger at Malema's comments, but some Kenyans welcomed his alternative voice that criticized the government's inaction. Despite the controversy surrounding Malema in South Africa, many Kenyans embraced him, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the Kenyan political arena. Malema, pleased with the response, stated that Africans should take charge of their own affairs and strive for economic freedom. However, in South Africa, Malema is a divisive figure facing accusations of hate speech and low levels of national support. As Malema departs Kenya, President Ruto is left with the challenge of winning back those seeking solutions from external sources rather than from within the country.