TGIM! Like really? Friday was just the other day but anyway since Monday is here, I thought of writing something about a topic I shared over weekend. Had a debate with a couple of friends on Saturday about God-fatherism in Kenya especially in workplaces and highest office, we never concluded our discussion, given that each one of us had different opinions about this. As I attempted to think about how I would summarize my arguments, I urge my friends who might check out this blog information to share their views as I hatch ideas for my next post.
My say about this:
The role of godfather can better be understood unless we have the privilege of watching the Italian firm called godfather. With star actor Don Cleriacuzo as the head of the Sicilian mafia, taken control of the economic and political spheres of their society via any means possible (including eliminating opponents) while they (godfather) play the role of saints.
Most policies of government and work places fail not because they are not good enough, but because of the political “god-fatherism” and ideological short sightedness. For good leadership and governance in any country, the society and leadership selection must be anchored on sound value system for probity and accountability.
The success of the developed countries of the world is not only attributable due to their technological and infrastructural development, but the human elements of their societies that are saddled with the responsibility of managing both the human and material resources in a productive manner.
The high rate of inflation, unemployment, poverty and crime are prevalent because we lack mental, physically and morally credible persons as leaders with the vision and political will to move the country out of it's present situation due to the fact that the leadership selection process and style has never been transparent and appropriate.
Therefore corruption, indiscipline and lawlessness has become an acceptable norm in our society. While the educational, health, technological and industrial sectors have over the years suffer great neglect due to bad governance.
Until people come to terms with these realities of the associated problems of bad leadership, they will continually pay the price of having wrong people as our leaders lacking in the appropriate qualities suffix to say that there is yet to be light in the tunnel with regards to the efficient management of the resources of the country.
Leadership is influence.” Leadership has an element of performance, an element of strategic thinking and even an element of highly encouraged nudging. More than anything else, leadership becomes a matter of influencing others. You may have heard it stated that if no one is following you, you are not leading but rather taking a walk. Visionary leadership requires more than followers, it requires developing new leaders.
The vetting system that saw top Judiciary officials subjected to public vetting is indeed a new dawn, an eye opener for many more exciting things to come. The new constitution has endowed the people of Kenya with a new dispensation of quality Constitutionalism. Issues of human rights such as gender equality, discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, belief etc are clearly addressed.
The process saw two respectable personalities making to the highest and most prestigious office of the Chief Justice and deputy chief justice respectively. Dr Willy Mutunga and Nancy Makokha Baraza. with this, Kenyans confidently gave it a clean bill of health as well as a major step for Human Rights in Kenya. on a positive note, we continually pray for a new dawn. new leaders who will bring change to the people
Pheeew! That’s it, 3.58 AM time to take a pause, make a follow up with our office traveling agent! And start doing a write-up for our next quarterly news letter. What are your views?
To be continued…..
Chantal, I must say, very articulately put! The elephant in the room is always the godfather factor in every appointment, renewal of contract, commission etc that politicians have say or sway. However, I must say that this is not a simple phenomenon that can be wished away.
ReplyDeleteLakini, I am about to disagree with you. You will be surprised, even with all the "public" vetting etc, there are still those who made it and the discussion outside before guys got on the round table was something like, "huyo ni mtu wangu, msimuharakishe sana!" why do I say this? Let me shoot straight from the hip. I don't see how Judge Ringeera with a well proven brilliant judicial jurisprudencially sound mind, could not even be shortlisted for interviews on the basis of his [perceived] failure at KACC. Yet,his right hand man, Dr. Smokin (as he then was) not only makes the short list but actually succeeds in getting the job with no judicial experience to speak of. Call me paranoid, but I perceive a puppet master in the rafters above. I believe, unseen machinations are still alive and well in Kenya today, whitewashes not withstanding. Unfortunately they shall be with us a long time yet. Don't hold your breath.
pheeeeew! Joy! that was well convincing! do agree with you slightly though..and thanks for you feedback :-))))
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