Kẹmi Badenoch and the Cost of Denying One’s Roots

Kẹmi Badenoch’s rise to the leadership of the Conservative Party marks a significant milestone in British politics. A woman of Nigerian heritage leading one of the most traditionally conservative parties in the UK is, by itself, remarkable. 

Born in Britain, raised in Nigeria until the age of 16, her life story could serve as a powerful bridge between two worlds, Africa and the West. But instead, recent reports suggest she is choosing to disassociate herself from her Nigerian roots in favour of a carefully curated British identity, more acceptable to the political base she seeks to win over.

If the story is true, this denial is disheartening. It feels as though she is spiting the very finger that once fed her; the culture, community, and experiences that shaped her formative years. In her attempt to be fully accepted by a certain segment of British society, she appears to be distancing herself from a continent whose image suffers not from lack of brilliance, but from centuries of being misunderstood, misrepresented, and abandoned by those who could uplift it.

Of course, no one should be forced to wear their heritage as a badge, nor should identity be politicised or policed. But there is a difference between moving forward and wiping the slate clean. 

Public figures of African descent often face the unique burden of balancing allegiance to their country of citizenship with an unspoken expectation to remain tethered to their origins. Yet, disconnection need not be the price of loyalty. In fact, the most grounded leaders are often those who draw strength and wisdom from the complexity of their roots.

It is understandable that Badenoch, in pursuit of power, might find it easier to play to a crowd that prefers a simplified narrative of identity. But politics built on denial is always short-lived. Roots have a way of calling us back, softly at first, then louder with time. One hopes she will hear that call before it's too late.

History rarely forgets those who rise to the top. But it remembers more kindly those who bring others with them, especially the places and people that made them.