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How use of words, context drive perspective
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki drums up support for UDA’s Mbeere North by-election candidate, Leo Muthende, during a rally at Kivue Primary School grounds in Embu County on November 23, 2025.
When politicians are having a go at each other, they will dismiss an opponent's statements as empty talk. Those are “just words” they will say, to imply that their rivals are making rhetorical statements, or promises, but not taking meaningful action.
Words are, however, powerful tools for persuasion, influence, and governance. Taking cue from Demosthenes of ancient Athens, politicians use words to influence public opinion, often inspiring or discouraging, action.