“When you’re in power, everything looks flashy, everyone respects you, but when you are out of power, people will not pick up your calls because they don’t need you.”
Caleb Amaswache, former Vihiga County Deputy Governor, has resorted to selling firewood in Luanda town to make ends meet after leaving office. The once-influential leader, who served under ex-Governor Moses Akaranga, was spotted by Citizen TV supplying firewood to local hotels, struggling to pay bills and fund his children’s education. “I need a job. I’m asking His Excellency William Ruto to consider those who were in government at one given time,” he pleaded, revealing he lacks the Ksh.200,000 needed to restart his life.
Amaswache’s downfall highlights the harsh realities of life after power. Despite applying for roles like the IEBC Commissioner, he was overlooked, leaving him with only portraits of his past political glory as reminders. “When you’re in power, everything looks flashy… but when you are out, that’s when you discover the true reflection of things,” he lamented, criticizing the fleeting loyalty of associates.
The ex-deputy governor urged current leaders to treat others with dignity, warning that power is temporary. “My advice to those in power is to respect and protect those who previously served… Tomorrow you could not be in office,” he said. His story underscores the precariousness of political careers in Kenya.