Final answer:
Kenya's post-independence government was criticized for corruption and human rights abuses, a common issue across many African nations transitioning from colonial rule. Despite the leadership being African, the enduring colonial legacy and challenges of establishing stable governance led to political instability and a troubled state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government of Kenya was criticized after independence, even though it was led by Africans, primarily due to corruption and human rights abuses. The colonial legacy, along with the challenges faced during the transition from European colonies to independent states, fostered an environment where corruption could thrive and human rights could be easily violated. Political instability, frequent coups, fraudulent elections and military regimes have been common in many African countries post-independence, leading to criticism of their governments.
The situation in Kenya was not unique, as many African countries faced similar circumstances after gaining independence. The expectation that the removal of colonial powers would lead to immediate and effective self-governance was often unmet. The challenges of establishing stable governments and addressing the needs of the population, such as education, medical care, and infrastructure development, were daunting and often not successfully managed.
Critics argue that post-colonial governments have been hampered not solely by internal issues but also by the enduring effects of colonial rule and the complex interplay with global forces of trade and globalization. Cultural and historical legacies of colonialism, including the exploitation of natural resources and the establishment of borders with little regard to ethnic or cultural divisions, have left many African states in a state of fragility and conflict, including Kenya after its independence.