Leadership lessons from city MP Ken Okoth

Early last week, an image started circulating of Kibra MP Ken Okoth expressing determination as he undergoes chemotherapy treatment. In his words, he was undeterred.

The reaction from Kenyans of all walks of life and across the breadth of the country was one of sympathy, encouragement and celebration of the work of Mr Okoth. The reaction led me to reflect on the role that those who are bestowed with leadership opportunities.

There is a lot of disquiet in the country over the quality of leadership in all sectors of the country. Newspaper headlines are awash with reports of scandal after scandal involving huge sums of money. The other day a friend of mine pointed out that one such scandal which has been in the new lately, involved an amount more than enough to construct the Thika superhighway.

Against such wanton plunder of public resources, Mr Okoth is a dose of fresh air. He has grown to become one of the finest legislators in the country.

He is passionate about causes he believes in. The last time I watched him on television he was debating and defending his alma matter, Starehe Boys Center. At that time general public perception was that the school had denied a deserving child admission. He explained the finer details of what was truly taking place and the workings of Starehe not just as a National School but as a charity caring for needy members of society.

The MP is renowned for three other issues. First is his transformative leadership in Kibra Constituency. He has undertaken an exemplary job that even sceptics would admit that his is transformative leadership.

The second is his commitment to education. From his use of Constituency Development Fund under the motto Elimu Kwanza, the MP has silently but consistently revolutionised education for the residents of the sprawling Kibera slums. He has constructed numerous schools in the constituency and additionally supported several students though primary, secondary and university education.

The focus on education must derive from his upbringing. He was born and raised in poverty in Kibera. Starehe provided him with an opportunity to pursue education and later he was able to travel abroad ad further is studies. His life is testimony to the statement by former South African President, Nelson Mandela that education is the most powerful tool for changing the world.

Servant leadership

Third is his style of leadership. He has so far demonstrated a sense of maturity, servant leadership and consensual approach that has endeared him to many. At a time when leaders see their task as being to be partisan and blind supporters of their political parties, speak as if they are the ambassadors of their ethnic communities, the MP has demonstrated the true meaning of leadership as embodied in Chapter Six of the Constitution. News of his cancer ailment, an issue that he personally and publicly broke to the entire nation and the grace with which he continues to bear the ailment is both a shocker to Kenyans but also a demonstration of his character.

As we wish him well and continue to pray for good health, we celebrate his approach to leadership. A leadership that sought an elected position not to serve self-interest but to transform his constituency. He gives hope to the possibility that Kenyan future may yet be secured if only the country’s leadership can have a few more Ken’s.

It is important that as we bring up the youth, we inculcate in them virtues of hard work, service, objectivity and honesty. This is the only was we can be able to address the huge challenges that faces Kenya. Otherwise the headlines capturing plunder of billions of shillings will continue being normal occurrences. The danger though is that the country cannot be able to absorb such news for much longer.

We wish Mr Okoth quick recovery and the Lord’s grace so that he can continue serving the people of Kenya.