There is a new sport in town. It has no referee, no official rules and, as far as we know, no prize money. Yet every political season, people excitedly participate in it. It is none other than the madness of running after and hanging on politicians’ Prados.
The political convoys are back, with shiny vehicles moving in formation as though an entire village is being evacuated. Then come the eager passengers who do not sit inside the vehicles. Some cling to the side steps, while others hang off the back like chickens being ferried from a farm on a pick-up, all in the name of keeping Mheshimiwa “safe.”
The same drama unfolds whenever politicians arrive at events. Suddenly, everyone starts rushing. People push one another. Security guards create such a sense of urgency that you would think the politician had just been informed the venue was on fire. The politician is moving, the security team is moving, the crowd is moving, and photographers are somehow expected to run backwards while trying to capture the perfect handshake and the most majestic walking style for TikTok reels.
Somewhere in the middle, people tumble over one another like sacks of potatoes.
But why?
Is this genuine security or a performance? Sometimes, the more people are pushed and the more urgently a crowd is moved, the more important the politician appears. Yet there is a difference between protecting someone and creating unnecessary panic.
There is also something else I have noted: not everyone running after political vehicles or hanging on them is being paid to do so. Some people genuinely seem excited by the experience. They chase convoys and hang on to Prados simply because the thrill of being close to a politician has become exciting in itself.
But this is a very dangerous source of thrill and excitement. Political campaigns can be energetic and enjoyable without people risking their lives. If you feel uncontrollably fired up, go mobilise supporters on the ground. Record campaign songs. Create chants. Dance. Make creative videos. Or go join the Bunge La Mwananchi debates. There are countless ways to energise a campaign without turning a moving vehicle into a climbing wall.
Admire the Prado all you want. Its sleek design, commanding presence and luxurious finish. But its exterior was never meant for passengers to cling to. A sudden turn, acceleration or emergency brake can turn a moment of excitement into a tragedy.
Over the weekend, a video circulated showing a Prado speeding through Western Kenya with people hanging onto its sides. Moments later, the vehicle overturned and rolled several times. It was a disturbing show of how quickly political excitement can turn into a serious safety risk. No politician is worth someone losing their life while trying to impress them.
This raises questions for the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Why has there been little visible action against people hanging on moving vehicles during political events, even when such scenes are broadcast live on television? Does a political convoy become exempt from ordinary road-safety expectations simply because it is carrying a politician?
There is also the question of vehicles moving without clearly visible number plates. Is there a special rule allowing certain vehicles to operate this way during political seasons? If so, what is the justification? If not, why does the practice appear to continue in plain sight? Kenyans deserve clarity on whether the same road-safety rules apply to political convoys as they do to everyone else.
Political seasons should be about ideas, leadership, dialogue, policies and public engagement and not dangerous stunts and unnecessary chaos.
So, the next time a convoy approaches, remember that you do not need to hang on a Prado to prove your loyalty. You do not need to run beside a moving vehicle to demonstrate your importance. You can sit inside, walk calmly and keep a safe distance.
Because perhaps it is time we stopped confusing chaos with importance and danger with loyalty.
No politician is worth falling for. There are other things to fall for; like falling in love. Although, these days, even love is not always the safest thing to fall for.
So, whatever it takes, it is probably best to remain standing.
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