There we were, and now here we
are thinking that things have changed to better if not the best! Leadership,
which some people refer to as governance, is a crucial issue. A Kibera society
where people have got different versions to its meaning is regularly occupied
with lots of activities as pertains, and is majorly political. It is then, and
from the background, that we should ask ourselves the significance of major
leadership decisions. Some tag it the epicentre of Kenya’s political
development, but it’s so challenging to summarily report whether this
perception is consummate with the people’s level of empowerment on political
reforms.
In the past regimes, there was
very minimal tolerance of citizen’s freedom or any mode of expression in
whichever manner and direction; the more you tried championing an agenda
focused on the public’s interest the faster you risked your life. In this time
where Kenya is celebrating the year of Jubilee, it is paramount to note that
this has been accompanied with the opportunity of the Kenya’s Supreme document-“the
constitution”- which is protective to all. I have a strong belief that we, the people,
may champion the reform courses from the lowest level so far to the top most.
This is because a number of progressive steps have been made right from the
struggle for multi party to the current spirit of devolution of power using
individual commitment and contribution.
However, some of these gains have
been reversed because of emerging factors in every Kenyan election year. While
the factors vary, money has constantly played a crucial role in our decision
making. While I believe that money is a valuable and convenient material it is
also a mysterious disaster if prioritized for auxiliary purposes. In
leadership, the citizenry should consider more the people’s integrity and
competence to manage our resources and enhance effective service delivery aimed
at a sustainable development momentum, contrary to salivating for short term
handouts then start unnecessary complains just a while after elections. This is
a primary concern which, if not addressed, may stop achieving sustainable peace.
The electorates’ thirst for immediate gains rather than well structured enduring
systems is a perfect recipe for chaos.
Yes, we all understand that
planning for leadership positions to a greater extent requires some resources.
My worry, however, is that if money is
the in thing, should it be the same resource one has to use in facilitating
the planning or bribing the electorates’ sober mind of clear decision making?
Again, if all who pocket much are always perceived as winners even before
elections, then why can’t the electorates do advise the election governing body
to pre-declare them earlier instead of letting others waste the little
resources into the process? Voters still value pennies instead of the holistic
understanding of what better leadership and governance mean for their lives.
Can the real and natural Kibera youth stand up?
Written by:
Mr. Sigar James Agumba
PMC Member
Awesome truth
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