By Morris Wambua

A Conversation We Can’t Keep Avoiding

There are certain uncomfortable conversations we avoid in Africa, even though they scream at us from the pages of our history. We celebrate our independence days, honor the names of our founding fathers, and wrap ourselves in the colors of our national flags, basking in the
pride of a hard-won freedom.

But, there's a darker side of our history that many prefer to ignore: the mistakes of Africa’s first presidents. These leaders, once symbols of hope and liberation, fell into the trap of power and ego,
creating personality cults that have left scars on the continent that are still visible today.

This isn’t just about history; it’s about the very real and damaging legacy that continues to cripple our progress.

The Rise of Personality Cults: Power Over Principle

At the dawn of independence, leaders like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana were the face of a new era. Nkrumah, a charismatic figure, was celebrated for his vision of a united Africa.

But as power consolidated in his hands, something went wrong. Nkrumah shifted from a leader
of the people to a leader above the people.

He declared himself “President for Life,” surrounded himself with loyalists who praised him at every turn, and quashed any dissenting voices.

His obsession with his own image and legacy led to reckless spending on projects like the Akosombo Dam, which drained national resources without delivering the promised prosperity.

Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya followed a similar path. Hailed as the 'liberator' from British colonial rule, Kenyatta quickly morphed into an untouchable figurehead.

He surrounded himself with cronies, famously known as the “Kiambu Mafia,” who obviously exploited their proximity to power for personal gain.

Land that should have been redistributed to those who fought for freedom instead ended up in the hands of a few political elites. The result was a culture of impunity and corruption that set Kenya on a path of inequality and disillusionment—a tragic legacy that still plagues the country today.

Mobutu and the DRC: A Case Study in Kleptocracy

No discussion of African personality cults would be complete without mentioning Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mobutu turned sycophancy into an art form, renaming cities, rivers, and even the currency after himself. He was the epitome of a leader who saw the state as his personal fiefdom, looting billions
while his people suffered in dire poverty.

Mobutu’s rule was not just corrupt; it was a masterclass in how to destroy a nation from within. He maintained power through a network of sycophants who echoed his every word, no matter how
disconnected from reality.

Under Mobutu, the state’s institutions were gutted, replaced with hollow structures that served only to legitimize his rule. Corruption wasn’t a side effect; it was the system.

By the time he was ousted, Zaire was a shell of a country, its economy in ruins and its people
left to pick up the pieces of decades of misrule. The Democratic Republic of the Congo today, struggling with endless conflict and poverty, is still living in the shadow of Mobutu’s legacy.

Nigeria: The Eternal Strongmen and Corruption

Nigeria’s post-independence history is littered with leaders who followed the same playbook. From military rulers like Sani Abacha, who looted billions while his sycophants sang his praises, to
elected presidents who wielded power like personal property, Nigeria has never
fully escaped the grip of personality-driven politics.

The damage is visible in the form of weak institutions, rampant corruption, and a political culture that prioritizes loyalty over competence.

Even today, Nigerian politics is often more about personalities than policies, with leaders who build networks of patronage rather than pursuing genuine reform. The result is a nation rich in resources
but constantly held back by a lack of accountability and vision.

The Lingering Effects: How the Past Shapes the Present

The damage done by these early leaders isn’t just historical; it’s ongoing. The sycophantic culture they fostered has entrenched corruption as a norm rather than an exception.

Governments continue to be staffed not with the best and brightest but with those who are loyal to
the leader of the day. Critical voices are often silenced, not because they are wrong, but because they threaten the fragile egos of those in power.

Economic development is stunted when decisions are made based on loyalty rather than logic. Infrastructure projects, educational reforms, and health initiatives all suffer when they are pursued
not for the public good, but for the glory of those in charge.

The result is a continent rich in potential yet constantly grappling with poverty, inequality, and stagnation.

Social Consequences of Personality Cults

Socially, the cult of personality has bred a culture of dependence. Citizens are conditioned to look to leaders as saviors rather than holding them accountable as public servants.

This dynamic stifles civic engagement and perpetuates a cycle where the powerful remain
unchallenged, and the ordinary citizen’s voice is drowned out.

The glorification of leaders who positioned themselves as infallible has disempowered the public and eroded the foundations of democratic accountability.

Leaders are rarely held accountable, and institutions meant to serve the people often mutate into mechanisms for preserving the status quo. Public trust erodes as corruption flourishes, leading to a pervasive sense of disillusionment among citizens.

Honoring Those Worthy of Honor

While it is crucial to acknowledge the failures and excesses of Africa’s first presidents, it is equally important to recognize the complex legacies of these leaders.

Many of them fought courageously for independence, enduring personal sacrifices and immense
challenges to free their nations from colonial rule. Their initial visions of freedom, unity, and development were not without merit, and they inspired generations to dream of a better future.

Despite their flaws, the contributions of those who genuinely sought to uplift their people should not be forgotten. Leaders like Nelson Mandela, who after a lifetime of struggle, chose reconciliation over revenge, exemplify the ideals that many of the first presidents aspired to but ultimately failed to achieve.

Mandela’s legacy reminds us that it is possible to wield power with humility, integrity, and a commitment to the greater good. In acknowledging Mandela's legacy, we remain conscious of the contagious land question in South Africa, but nonetheless, his legacy is exemplary.

Similarly, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, despite economic missteps, is remembered for his dedication to education and social unity, leaving a lasting positive imprint on his nation. Jirani ana ujamaa!

Honoring those worthy of honor means recognizing the good alongside the bad. It means celebrating the visionaries who dreamed of a united and prosperous Africa, while also holding accountable those whose actions deviated from these noble aspirations.

In doing so, we ensure that our reverence for history does not blind us to its lessons, allowing us to build on the successes of the past while avoiding its pitfalls.

Breaking the Cycle: Moving Beyond the Shadows of the Past

To move forward, Africa must break the chains of its past. This means dismantling the remnants of personality cults and creating systems that prioritize merit, accountability, and the rule of law.

It means nurturing leaders who are humble enough to serve rather than rule, who see themselves as part of a larger democratic process rather than the center of it.

Education and civic engagement are key. Young Africans must learn not just the history of colonial oppression but also the ways in which their own leaders have perpetuated cycles of exploitation and
failure. They must be encouraged to question, to challenge, and to demand better from those who hold power.

Reforming Leadership and Governance

Reforming leadership in Africa requires a multipronged approach. It starts with education, teaching young people the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.

Schools should instill values that challenge the glorification of leaders, encouraging a culture that celebrates service over power.

Governance reforms are also crucial. Strengthening institutions so they can operate independently of the whims of those in power is essential. This includes reforming the judiciary, enhancing the powers of anti-corruption bodies, and ensuring that media can operate freely as a check on power.

The Role of Civil Society and Media

Civil society organizations and the media play a critical role in dismantling personality cults. By holding leaders accountable and promoting transparency, they can help shift the narrative away
from individuals and towards ideas, policies, and governance. Strengthening these sectors is vital for fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry.

The Power of Collective Action

Collective action can drive significant change. Across Africa, movements led by ordinary citizens have already begun to challenge entrenched systems of power. From the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria to the Sudanese revolution, and the recent Gen Z protests in Kenya against the dubious Finance Bill, young Africans are demanding a break from the past. These movements are powerful reminders that the future of the continent lies in the hands of its people, not its leaders.

A Reckoning for a Better Tomorrow

Africa’s first presidents made a critical mistake by entrenching sycophancy and fostering personality cults that have left deep and lasting scars. This isn’t just a historical issue; it’s a living problem that continues to hinder progress across the continent. If Africa is to rise, it must confront this uncomfortable truth, dismantle the toxic legacies of its founding leaders, and commit to building a future where power is held in check, and the people’s needs come first.

Only then can the continent truly move beyond the shadows of its past and unlock its full potential. Yet, even as we critique, we must not forget to honor those worthy of honor.

The early leaders who dreamed of independence, unity, and progress had a vision for Africa that remains powerful and relevant today. By learning from their triumphs as well as their failures, Africa can forge a path forward that honors the best of its past while boldly avoiding the missteps of those who wielded the torches of its political self-rule. God bless Afrika!