We want a King, to rule over our armies, to bring prosperity within our borders and respect across the world. He must be our own but rule over the different communities in the Kingdom. He must not be challenged because he is always right. It is treasonous to even think that he might be wrong.
This might be an exaggeration, but sometimes it is how it feels with the ‘big man mentality’ we have in leadership in our beautiful country. Most of the time, it is not about what his/her ideas are, what they plan to do or how they plan to do it. We are usually mesmerised by how they talk, their mastery of insults or rebuttals to opponents, how flashy they are or what comedy they can serve us on the evening news. Our leaders are awake to this reality and they do not disappoint in giving us performances that can only be rivalled by award winning actors. It has never been about the quality of work. The populace have become more educated and this calls for an adjustment in the theatrics. Now there is a need for superficial efforts. That’s why a Member of Parliament would rather show up to every funeral and every fundraising he/she can than attending parliament to legislate. They know when it comes to re-election, Kenyans will vote out a ‘stingy’ leader who worked hard to improve systems and institutions with legislation, researched candidates’ backgrounds that were up for vetting or took their oversight duties seriously in the house committees. The Kenyan voter is like that one friend who is always getting in to toxic relationships. Contents of the character of the partner they choose is over-looked, they are usually interested with what they find on the surface. Then after they get hurt when the façade fades, they express how they are victims of a cruel world. Of course we can empathise but if the pattern is repeated, I do not think the individual is a helpless victim but a willing participant. Sadly the ‘big man mentality’ extends to non-elected leaders. That is why I hope that the DPP, Noordin Haji will not be a public relations machine. That the Friday arrests are sincere action and not publicity stunts. That he will be committed to long-term reforms to his office, seal the loopholes and collaborate with other institution heads to improve service delivery. Fame is intoxicating, so I hope he will not excessively think about the headlines about him but the quality of work he delivers. I am not trying to be cynical but I am hopeful that our leaders, Noordin Haji included will leave institutions and systems that survive their exit. It is not easy but it is what needs to be done so that we do not have a collapse soon after. The late Michuki tried his best but his policy initiative faded after his demise. I hope that the efforts to fight examination fraud started by Fred Matiang’i will not be easily reversible. Changing systems and mind-sets is hard but one can do their best in laying a foundation for their successor to continue their work. Some achievements may not even be realised in the leaders’ lifetime, but history sometimes remembers them kindly. Who wouldn’t want a pat on the back or a congratulatory message to celebrate their achievements? A good leader though will not be lost in adoration and seeking approval but will be consistently concerned with what he/she delivers. Thank you to all the leaders who saw what the future ought to be, worked hard for it so we could enjoy Heaven on Earth.