We can restore hope by trusting again

Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula lead demonstrations against Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on May 23, 2016 along Koinange Street. There is dwindling trust in key institutions such as the IEBC, Parliament, the Youth Fund, and other tainted institutions. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The continuous betrayal of true leadership principles has led to rock-bottom levels of trust and this does not auger well for the future.
  • True greatness comes from humility and service. This time round, Kenyans should choose differently.

In the past few weeks we have been treated to a tragicomedy of events in Kenya. There were the weekly anti-IEBC protests and before that the collapse of the Huruma building.

Before that there were numerous corruption scandals that have never been dealt with. There is this sick feeling in our bellies as we ask ourselves whether there is any hope for our beloved motherland.

I am of the opinion that there is hope and that the key lies in trust. Let me paraphrase American author Stephen M.R. Covey’s assertion and suggest that “the ability by leaders to establish, extend and restore trust with all the citizens is the key leadership competency needed in our country as we approach the next election”.

Kenya claims to be interested in participating in the global economy, yet we continue to pursue narrow, parochial, and outdated leadership malpractices without realising that these actions, which I refer to as misleadership, will not and cannot enable us to effectively compete in the global economy or take us to the promised land, that is boldly documented in our Constitution and Vision 2030 initiative.

These two documents should be guiding our leadership, but have instead been betrayed by the death of trust in our nation.

There is dwindling trust in our elected leadership at the national and county levels. Tales of horrific self-interest continue to be the order of the day.

There is dwindling trust in the Judiciary as whiffs of impartiality and scandal taint individuals even at the Supreme Court.

There is dwindling trust in key institutions such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Parliament, the Youth Fund, and other tainted institutions that are supposed to serve Kenyans but end up reserving resources for a few.

The continuous betrayal of true leadership principles has led to rock-bottom levels of trust and this does not auger well for the future.

ALL IS NOT LOST
Kenyans are increasingly asking critical questions such as: can we really trust our leaders to serve the electorate? Are there any leaders who want to be of service to the nation?

Can corruption be eliminated in Kenya? Can we trust the Executive to deliver services to the people cost effectively?

Can we trust our legislators to enact laws for the common good, not just for their benefit?

Did we make a mistake voting for a Constitution that, instead of devolving service, has instead devolved corruption and greed?

Do we need so many leaders if we cannot trust any? Can one do honest business with the government or are hustling and tenderpreneurship the only way?

Can tribalism and the myopic “our people” and “our region” mentality be eliminated and replaced by “we are all Kenyans” and let competence prevail?

Can we go into a national election without tribal arithmetic and divisive politics oiled by ill-gained resources? Can violence at election time be banished?

It is my view that there is hope if we can restore the lost trust. People are talking of trust in the banking sector because of the new focus on regulation and disciplined leadership. There is hope for other sectors in our nation too.

Our leaders should realise that trust involves confidence in our relationships with others.

This trust consists of three parts: First, people need to know that their leaders can achieve positive results for the common good. Capability depends on competence.

It is sad that we rarely focus on the competence of the people appointed to leadership or elective positions.

We are more concerned about which tribe or gender they belong to or how much money they can bribe voters with.

VIRTUOUS LEADER
Second, people should be able to count on their leaders to focus on service that will yield a better life for Kenyans, not a fat bank account for themselves and their cronies.

It is unfortunate that leaders are focused on their survival and enrichment when they propagate myths about their communities being under siege when one of them is named in a corruption scandal.

Third, people should be convinced that their leaders genuinely care about their interests and wellbeing and not just their votes.

As we approach the next elections, it is imperative that Kenyans reject the old style of leadership driven by tribal arithmetic and financial largess through ill-gotten wealth and instead choose values and actions that strengthen trust, putting the common good above blatant self-interest and directing scarce resources to those who really need them.

True greatness comes from humility and service. This time round, Kenyans should choose differently.

Dr Mwangi is director, Centre for Personal Leadership. [email protected].