Leadership is in every aspect of life, in the very fabric of human life. Being a leader takes initiative because those that are led follow. Families have parents or guardians, schools have prefects, institutions have managers, the country has politicians and the list goes on. Leadership directly impacts outcome which is why it is imperative to choose good leaders and be good leaders. The political atmosphere is tense right now because of the upcoming elections that will take place next year. The experience we have had as a nation with those in power makes you question the good that leadership brings, if there is any.
Leadership is a double-edged sword, and the pros and cons of it weigh almost the same. When the people take matters and justice to their own hands, disaster follows closely. Almost all of us have witnessed a public lynching whether it is on the television or right before our eyes, and it is no secret that some of these people were either innocent or guilty of a minor crime, this is just one example of what happens when we lack a group of people who bear the responsibility of governance and a system that ensures just administration. On the other hand, those very people that we entrust our well-being to as a society act in ways that favor themselves, and in so doing, stab us in the back. The hard-earned money that is paid by the people in the form of tax is laundered. Corruption is nothing new in the Kenyan landscape, and it is arguably the biggest obstruction to development in our nation. If public finances were used on what they were meant for, it would be unimaginable what we could achieve as a country. This is what I mean by leadership is a double-edged sword.
It is the time for empty promises and an elusive dream of a beer Kenya. Politicians are busy building roads in various parts of the country, and the unemployed youth in Kenya will be ready to “tarmac”. However, it does not have to be that way, the specific people elected in leadership does not maer as much as how we as a people hold them accountable to doing right by us, as their power enables them to. Politics is a game and underneath the masks, most politicians are exactly the same. It is not all about choosing the right people because we cannot even know for sure until they are in power, it is about raising a voice so loud that it has to be heard. The political atmosphere is tense right now because of the upcoming elections that will take place next year. The experience we have had as a nation with those in power makes you question the good that leadership brings, if there is any. The only way to do this is to be able leaders to ourselves first. The stoics say that what matters is what goes on within a person, not on the external. If every individual takes it upon himself to do right by the next, leaders are le with upright people to govern and they themselves cannot break the trend and lead selfishly, they themselves would have to be upright. We have leaders in every facet of life and we ourselves are our own leaders. Leading is everywhere and we all bear the responsibility of getting better at it.
Lenah Mati is a Legal and Governance Analyst who brings clarity to political, constitutional, and governance issues. She is recognized for offering insightful analysis on political, legal, and governance issues, both in advisory roles and as a frequent commentator on television discussions on politics, governance, and citizen participation.
With a background in law and public policy, Lenah is passionate about strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and fostering dialogue between citizens and leaders. Her commentary is known for being practical, engaging and focused on youth-based issues.
