Nairobi, Kenya – So, Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe got the hero treatment from President Ruto after some 'historic' marathon. Cool story, bro. But while everyone's waving flags and patting backs, let's remember this is Africa, and things aren't always what they seem.

Sawe's 'historic marathon' is undoubtedly a feat of athleticism. But let's not pretend that politicians aren't using this to distract from the real issues. Inflation? Corruption? The usual African buffet of problems.

Ruto's photo op is straight out of the playbook: distract the masses with sportsball. It's the 21st-century version of bread and circuses, and we're all just gladiators in the coliseum of social media.

Historically, these kinds of events are always carefully orchestrated. The 'spontaneous' outpouring of national pride? Please. It's all optics, baby. Just another way for politicians to boost their image.

Sure, Sawe worked hard. He probably trained his ass off. But let's not forget the system that allowed him to rise. Or the system that keeps millions of others down. Just sayin'.

Experts (the ones who aren't on the government payroll) might point out that this kind of fanfare is often used to mask deeper problems. Poverty, inequality, the same old song and dance.

The implications? We'll all forget about this in a week. Sawe will go back to running, Ruto will go back to politicking, and the rest of us will go back to struggling. The circle of life, Simba.

So, congrats to Sawe. You ran good. But don't let the politicians use you. You're more than just a prop in their little game. Remember that.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, the price of gas is still insane. But hey, at least we have a marathon runner to celebrate. Priorities, am I right?

Historically, these moments of national unity are fleeting. They don't solve problems. They just give us a temporary distraction from the harsh realities of life.

Sawe's achievement gives us a chance to meme about Kenyan pride. But let's not forget the issues that affect everyday Kenyans. Like, you know, basic necessities.

The Kenyan government needs to focus on fixing the actual problems facing the country, not just staging feel-good events for the cameras. Sawe ran a marathon, but the real race is for a better future.

Sources:

* Transparency International * World Bank Data