Kenyan journalist and social media personality Oga Obinna has said his recent visit to Rwanda changed the way he views national development, prompting him to challenge fellow Kenyans to reflect on their own role in building their country.
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In a video shared on his Instagram account on June 29, 2026, Obinna said Rwanda’s progress demonstrated that development is not solely the responsibility of the government, but also depends on the commitment and participation of citizens.
Obinna Says Development Requires Citizens’ Participation
Reflecting on his visit, Obinna said one of the biggest lessons he learned in Rwanda was that sustainable development is achieved through cooperation between government and citizens.
According to him, Rwanda’s achievements are the result of a shared commitment, with both leaders and ordinary citizens playing an active role in maintaining public infrastructure, protecting national resources, and promoting order.
He said: “I just came back from Rwanda, and I learned a few things. But the most important lesson I learned is that in Kenya, we deserve the leadership we have,”
Rwanda’s Cleanliness and Discipline Left a Lasting Impression
Obinna said he was particularly impressed by the cleanliness and organization he observed throughout Rwanda.
He noted that the high standards were not limited to Kigali but were evident across different parts of the country, reflecting a culture in which citizens take personal responsibility for protecting their environment.
He also praised the level of discipline among road users, saying traffic regulations are widely respected: “I did not see a single driver or passenger there without wearing the appropriate helmet. That is not just the government’s responsibility; it is about your own safety,” he said.
He Challenges Kenyans Ahead of Future Elections
Obinna urged Kenyans to examine their own responsibilities instead of placing all the blame on political leaders.
He argued that many citizens criticize elected officials while repeatedly voting for leaders whose performance they already question: “Now we are heading into another election. The people who are complaining now will continue to vote for leaders they know do not perform well. Then they will come back and complain again,” he remarked.
According to Obinna, meaningful national progress requires both accountable leadership and responsible citizenship.
His Remarks Spark Mixed Reactions Online
Obinna’s comments generated widespread discussion on social media.
Some users agreed with his observations, saying Kenyans should emulate Rwanda by taking greater responsibility for protecting public property, respecting the law, and contributing to national development.
Others argued that while citizens have important responsibilities, governments must also strengthen good governance, improve public services, and create an environment that enables people to contribute effectively to the country’s progress.
Rwanda Continues to Be Cited as a Development Example
Rwanda’s development model has frequently attracted attention from visitors across Africa and beyond, particularly for its emphasis on cleanliness, public order, infrastructure development, and citizen participation.
Obinna’s reflections have added to the ongoing conversation about the relationship between leadership and civic responsibility, highlighting the idea that sustainable development depends not only on government policies but also on the everyday actions of citizens.
