Lessons from Samuel Wanjiru’s mysterious demise

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo
The Olympic hero’s mysterious demise brings to the fore serious questions about the status of our security and our justice system. It also puts a red flag on the way the government treats our heroes and the esteem it accords human life in general.

Here was an athlete who raised the status of our Country in the international scene and many of us not directly related to him are still in shock the way his life ended prematurely.

The late Wanjiru’s mysterious demise didn’t ignite our law enforcement or intelligence unit to pursue concrete and thorough investigations.

There was no government statement especially when it appeared that the investigations were not being done effectively after the tragedy. The police commissioner and the Minister for internal security all remained mute.

The late Wanjiru’s fans, admirers and a section of his family at home and abroad beg for this question: Why did the government treat his mysterious dead so casually?

Can you imagine how Kenya and Africa felt when he raised our flag in Beijing; kissed the ground and made the sign of the cross after winning the medal? And now, he is not with us; gone forever and not to come again. We can’t tell which generation another Wanjiru replica will emerge. Only God knows.

When a Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt visited Kenyan in 2009, he was accorded iconic status by President Mwai Kibaki, and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, but when our own icon dies mysteriously, there is no show of empathy or concern to unravel the truth. This is extremely demoralizing to the athletic fraternity in the Country and a show that we real don’t care about our own heroes who have elevated Kenya in the international scene.

Our nation keeps being dogged by tragedy after tragedy. Criminals continue to terrorize people in towns and villages. Suspects are being lynched in cold blood before the eyes of the police. People die on preventable road accidents when we have the police traffic unit. Women and children are raped, molested or sodomized but we only see highlights in the media but nothing is done to pursue the culprits to bring them to justice.

When problems keeps escalating rather than de-escalating in any society, it reflects that nothing is being done by the responsible parties to curb it or put in place contingency measures.

We have the laws, the law enforcers and the courts in Kenya, but these vital organs are not doing enough to safeguard justice and protect the lives of Kenyans and their properties.

While growing up in 1980s, I used to hear the notion that the prowess of Kenya’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was one of the best in the world. I have since disapproved this notion as mere fiction.

In Kenya today, investigations are either conducted inconclusively or unprofessionally or not conducted at all. From the crime scene, handling suspects to court appearances, it does not reflect us as a nation ready to instill proper justice to the populace.

I vehemently disagreed with Justice Emukule’s ruling that allowed a section of the late Wanjiru’s family to proceed with the burial when his mother Ms Hannah Wanjiru had raised pertinent questions following the tragedy. She was right by requesting for thorough investigations to unravel the cause of his son’s dead but the judge threw her argument through the window. I personally concluded that the tragedy may have been well planned and coordinated.

I’m sure justice Emukule would have demanded exactly what Hannah Wanjiru wanted if the late Wanjiru was his son.

The athlete’s mother was not demanding the restoration of her son back to life but know the truth in order to begin the healing process. Nobody should underrate parenthood. I know my wife loves me but my mother’s love is only second to that of God.

A British tycoon whose daughter was killed in 1988 at the Maasai Mara has never given up his quest to know his daughter’s killers.

John Ward has exhausted his financial resources not bring her daughter to life but seek for justice. That is why I strongly empathize with Hanna Wanjiru.

I believe the surest way to gauge the greatness of any nation is how it responds to a calamity whether big or small. In the Western world, where I manage to reside, when a tragedy occurs; big or small, there is a swift move by concerned parties to conduct thorough investigations and also putting in place preventive measures.

I believe Kenya can do better. I believe the government can boost the morale of our police force through better remuneration, equip them with enough tools of work. A strict code of conduct should also be formulated and the law enforcement personnel who violate it should be punished severely or relieved off their duties. We want to have swift response from the law enforcement when you report a crime. We don’t want our police to ask members of the public to fuel their cars when they call for help.

Kenya should forge partnerships with the developed World in this era of global insecurity, to help train our security personnel. The government should approach Britain, USA and Israel in order to tap the skills of the FBI, the Scotland Yard and the Mossad respectively. We have to take advantage of what our friends are doing to better our own systems to better serve our nation.

I believe all is not lost in our country. Whether it is the late Samuel Wanjiru, Dr. Robert Ouko, Solomon Muruli, JM Kariuki, or Oscar Kingara. Life is sacred and those tasked to protect it must do it effectively.

THINK LIKE KENYANS

By Job M.Ombati
Author, Kenya the Beloved- New England USA

My dear countrymen,Ladies and Gentlemen.
With due respect to everyone of you,I want to state my sincere opinion regarding the Ocampo six and Kenya in General.It is my believe that every thinking Kenyan,agrees that peace and unity of our country is paramount.It does not matter what tribe or region one was born in.It is not about education,wealth or poverty,it is about us, Kenyans living free,united and able to carry on our daily activities freely and peacefuly.From this perspective, I would like to say the following:

One, Kenya is a country among many in the world and therefore,a signatory to the 'peace' treaty and order in managing her own affairs and safeguarding the safety of her people.
Two,for those who migth have forgotten,this is 21 century.This means,no one is above the law of humanity.No one can kill people and go free.This means, everyone is being watched by God and the international community.

Third,I love Kenya as much as Uhuru, Kibaki, Ruto,Raila or you.I love her so much that I am willing to see a few of my countrymen get 'disciplined' for the sake of our peace and prosperity.Kenya is bigger than both of us.It is definately bigger than Uhuru, or Ruto or the six combined.We must therefore watch that we do not sacrifice the good name of our country and people just for the sake of a few individuals.

Lastly, I believe in justice and the rule of law.The six Kenyans who have gone to the Hague are not criminals but suspects.Let then go,face the law and if found guilty,let them be punished.This will set a precedent that no one is above the law and no one will go unpunished after they have committed crimes against humanity.Those who were thinking of commiting the same crime of abusing and mistreating others,be warned.
So my dear countrymen,going to the Hague is apainful thing for the individuals and their families,but in the long term,it is a good move.This is going to be a good thing not only for Kenya but for the rest of Africa.

For those who have been on Kalonzo's band,let us try to reason alittle bigger and see a bigger picture.Think about our country and not individuals.Think about the country you want your children and grandchildren to inherit.Think like a mature Kenyan and stop this simple political tactics of name calling,insults and tribal alliances.We are all Kenyans.Please Kenyans, think big and wider.Think like a Kenyan.May God bless our country.

ROTATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOR AFRICAN UNION IS A BIG CONCERN

By Mr. Andrew Kerosi
Minneapolis Minnesota

ROTATIONAL LEADERSHIP FOR AFRICAN UNION IS A BIG CONCERN
The rotation of African Union Leadership is a big concern and a threat to those countries that are going through political changes and are ready to democratize their political systems as a greatest partner of progress. Yes, democracy is the greatest partner of progress, it entrenches political, social and economic order, which accords mankind a dignified lifestyle.

Now, to have an AU chairman on a rotational format, who is an oppressor and who does not believe in democracy, is obviously a bad ideological mix. Take for example this type of chairman receives reports from the citizens of a member country, accusing their Government of crime against humanity. How is he going to react? The answer is common sense.

What does this tell us? This tells us that, AU was set up for a purpose which has been outlived by its own existence and therefore, needs serious re-structuring or done away with altogether. It is not possible to have a dictator chairing an organization such as AU and expect the application of fair play to the citizens of member countries. AU is not for the well being of the citizens of the member countries, it is a relationship established to protect rogue African Governments. This is evidenced from the way AU has been protecting dictators, such as Robert Mugabe, Gadhafi, and others.

Recently, for example, AU has been fighting alongside with the Kenyan Government and the Ocampo six to defer ICC prosecutions. This is because the dictators have always kept on saying that Western countries with their democracies are out here to destroy Africa and yet these same Africans signed the Rome statute that gave birth to ICC. Unfortunately, this contention is never challenged by some African leaders.

They are always in unison even with those whose aspirations are to democratize their countries. It is a contradiction in terms and tells volumes on how we black people in Africa engage in things we don't fully believe in and results are often not to the standard. Democracy is being stifled left, right, center even in those countries trying to democratize. If some of us believe in democracy, it is important that we cherish and protect it. Look at the recent threat by AU that they want to pull out of ICC. Just because AU support the ICC deferral of the Kenyan Ocampo six cases and the rest of the world is not supportive of that.

In Africa, it would appear, corruption, impunity and all types of injustices are not perceived as threat to humanity, but as avenues the powerful individuals access happiness through doubtful wealth accumulation, at the expense and suffering of the weak. Even inflicting pain to the disadvantaged, the powerful, derive happiness. This happiness is a derivative of evil and is of an unrefined mind. Primitive in its nature and is against civilization.

It is a high time we developed a refined mind, a mind that sees meaning and value in every life, soul and above all, the value of all creation. Kenya is finding its way out of this dark corner, resistance is high but challengeable. Persistence and with an educated population, the lords of impunity will have no place in Kenya.

They will look for friends, north, south, east and west and find none. A new generation of hardworking citizens, innovative and creative are emerging. The Swaggering individuals who have stolen from the public and turned politicians are soon disappearing and the nation will be healed. We are yet to have noble men and women.

Role models and not the contaminated lot. God help Kenya.
The AU has failed and since it was established as a club to protect rogue leaders, it is prudent enough to say that Africa does not need AU, it needs a business club with a strong secretariat to spearhead Africa's business agenda. Some African countries at the moment do not have the political will to champion democracy as a partner of progress and I strongly recommend a hold, on any efforts to resolve Africa's political issues in a collective or in an organized grouping, such as AU.

We have failed miserably!!!. Almost all African leaders have oppressive tendencies and political grouping will only mean to be a protective device for dictators and yet the oppressed, who are tax payers, continue to pay heavily to support an organization which is without political values and is perpetuating impunity which hurts them.

Raila stand out above the rest

Raila stand out above the rest
By Andrew Kerosi
Minnesota USA

This journey of Kenya's constitutional freedom, was started by the late Mzee, Jalamogi Oginga Odinga in the late sixties. In his wisdom he new what he wanted for Kenya and at the same time, he new it was going to be a long, challenging and risky journey. Notwithstanding, the oldman, again in his wisdom, behind the scenes, prepared his son, Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. This was an extraordinarily preparation which instilled political values into Raila's life.

A father trained individual, Raila is and he understands the art of fair play. He is different from all the leaders we have in Kenya right now, simply, he has been consistent and long serving activist for the freedoms of Kenyans. That does not mean that others are not as good, but his track record is unmatched and unchallenged.

Raila's father foughht two battles of freedoms. The first one was Kenya's freedom from the colonialists' rule and the second one, is the multparty democracy which he started in the late sixties and was achieved in 1991/1992. Remarkable indeed!!! Mzee Odinga, knew the fight was not over yet and positioned his son, Raila to continue with the fight for political space and other freedoms in Kenya.

This is what we have achieved recently, through the promulgation of the new constitution. Power has been given to the people and the imperial Presidency dismantled. This is a fulfillment of Mzee Oginga Odinga's dream come true. He left behind a reliable steward and it is this steward by the name of Raila Odinga who will be trusted with our new constitution. Why?

Raila understands where we have come from and the type of legacy his family, will leave behind. Let us not dim the light that has illuminated and we have been able to see the dark corners of our nation. These dark corners have been hiding places for the lords of impunity and a possible regrouping of the lords of impunity into this corners is envisaged, if we have a weak Presidency at this early stage.

We recognize, Raila's efforts to stand out as a statesman in protecting our new constitution.. His message to the people of Kenya to stand and be counted in protecting our constitution, is a clear indication that Raila would like fair play practiced in Kenya. He is simply the best canditate so far for Presidency.

Let us have this dream come true, successfully and fully realized by having a true custodian at the steering wheel. We want every Kenyan to respect and fear the law. A true fighter and stickler of the law IS Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. The vision of his father.

PRESIDENT KIBAKI'S DEFERRAL BID TO ICC WILL FAIL

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo
New Jersey USA
This is another blatant move by the President to waste taxpayers' money to perpetuate impunity. Mzee Kibaki doesn't real get it.We all fail to understand why he cannot let the law take its on cause at the ICC instead of trying to protect a few at the expense of thousands of Kenyans who lost their lives, property and got displaced during the PEV.If I were him, I will put into good use the tax payers’ money that will be wasted in this futile bureaucratic endeavour. Kibaki "MUST" remember that all Kenyans irrespective of their status in life must be protected by the law through equal justice.Trying to protect the high and mighty- Ruto, Uhuru, Muthaura and Hussein Ali, at the expensive of the vulnerable is a clear show of injustice, opportunism, barbarism, inhuman and ungodly. Watch this space, this move to pursue a deferral in trying the PEV suspects will not yield to anything but damage the reputation of Kenya before the international community. Besides, it will also put President Kibaki’s legacy on the line.

THE END OF DICTATORSHIP AND CORRUPTION IN LIBYA

THE END OF DICTATORSHIP AND CORRUPTION IN LIBYA
By Robert Nyambane
Currently and in recent weeks we have witnessed unusual political changes taking place in the Arab world, notably in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The Political violence in these 3 North African Nations, is spreading out rapidly like wild fire across the Northern region of Africa whereby the long time dictators have been thrown out of power by force.

In January this year, the former Tunisian leader, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was ousted. The Tunisia event acted as a hot catalyst that triggered fast political upheavals in Egypt, Libya and other Arab countries like Yemen.

Last month ( February 2011 )The former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak was forced to leave office prematurely by mass anti Government protesters. Mubarak has been President of Egypt for 30 years consecutively. He succeeded Anwar Sadat who was assassinated in 1981.

The next one to go is Libyan dictator, Moammar Gadhafi who has ruled that country with an iron fist for the past 40 years. For Gadhafi, we are just counting days if not hours before we would hear that he has been toppled. People are anxiously awaiting his fall with wide open eyes and sharp ears – watching and listening to TV and radio news day and night just to hear the announcement of a coup in Libya any time. Stay awake and keep your eyes & ears open throughout.

In Tunisia and Egypt the former leaders were thrown out of power as a result of political unrests / civil disobedience or public protests by unarmed civilians. But in Libya it is armed rebels who are fiercely fighting the Gadhafi regime from the Eastern part of the country. Benghazi, the 2nd largest city in Libya is in their hands.

There is great assurance of that dictator being ousted as some of his army units, Police Officers and other personalities royal to him have deserted him and opted to join dissidents in the fight against Gadahafi and his henchmen . In fact, the rebels have already gained control of Eastern Libya and are now advancing towards Tripoli, the capital city. They have vowed to continue fighting to the end.

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There are 2 common factors to be noted in these 3 African leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya; The 1st one is that they were all dictators. The 2nd one is that they have ruled for decades, treating people like their personal property.

The hot political upheavals in these 3 North African Nations is an indication that the Africans have woke up and seen sense in their democratic rights – getting a leader of their choice through general periodic elections. Again, they have realized the disadvantages of being ruled by one leader for a long time. The most significant achievement to those political protests is an end to corrupt regimes.

Similar political changes need to erupt and spread out to the rest of Africa like; East, West, Central and finally land in Southern regions where dictatorship type of rule still exists. Let the 3 countries in the North serve as a warning and an example to others in the rest of Africa.

In Eastern Africa, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Omar Basir of North Sudan deserve to resign from power peacefully. Museven came to power in August 1986, and Basir has ruled Sudan for over 30 years. They are soon leaving.

Going to Central Africa, you find another veteran dictator by the name Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe who has been in power since that country became independent in April 1980. It is time that Mugabe should resign and go home.

During the last summit of the African Union, its members states held a convention in which they unanimously agreed and passed a political resolution that no African Nation will be ruled by the same leader for more than ten years in a row.

It is not only Basir, Mugabe and Museveni who should step down, but there are also many others like these three who must quit before fire catches them. In our next edition, we shall release the long list of Presidents in Africa who have occupied office for over 10 years which is against AU’s (former O A U) convention as clearly stipulated in the immediate paragraph above.

From the recent and ongoing violent political events in North Africa, we have seen the evils and dangers that looms when one same leader overstays in power. Even

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in the church we should not have one Pastor preaching in the same church for over 10 years. It becomes dangerous if one Priest is allowed to stay at one Parish for a considerably long period, say 10 years plus. The same case applies to schools where if one Principal heads one same school for too long things will get spoiled and eventually the good reputation she / he had built begins to rot and be useless

Change of leadership is inevitable everywhere – in learning and religious institutions plus social and business organizations.

The current situation in North Africa has been described in similar ways by different commentators : -

> Some say it is war against dictatorship reign in Africa

> others state that it is a period of re-awakening in Africa

> It is to teach the African dictators a life time lesson

> It is the end of corrupt leaders in Africa

> It is the beginning of an end to - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - what ?

All in all, the latest revolutionary movements in that North part of Africa, marks the beginning of an end to authoritarian rule in the entire Africa Continent. This will give Africa a new clean face + shape on the world map.

The ongoing uprisings in Libya broke out in mid February this year of 2011. To be exact it was on 15 – 02 – 2011 when the rebels wedged a serious war against dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Soldiers royal to Gadhafi are resisting the rebels who want to gain entry into the capital Tripoli where the long time dictator is hiding.

Colonel Gadhafi as he calls himself, has defied orders and requests from other world leaders who have been urging him to step down. Soon or later the rebels will penetrate into Tripoli and flush him out by force. This might happen overnight and be the headlines of major Newspapers around the world at large. Civil War !

A message to the people of Kenya

By Job Ombati
New England USA
Ladies and Gentlemen.

While I want to thank so many of you for your wise and brave suggestions on Kenya's future, I want to say one thing though. First, I love Kenya as much as you all do. I was born and raised in Kenya, and when I die, I will be buried in Kenya. However, before that time come, I want to say my mind and say it clearly.

First, many Kenyans are tired of Politics. If you are not, then I am. Every time we elect leaders, we always have a tendency to think that they will govern with justice and take our country to a higher level. Many of us have spent time, money and even lost some members of our families in the name of better governance. In 2007,many Kenyans died because they wanted a better country. What did we get in return? You all know.

Secondly, we have been able to listen to voice of reason by tolerating the government leaders we have though we don’t approve many of them. Now, what pains me my dear countrymen is when I see these leaders behaving as criminals and as cowards. We have given these leaders time to govern and heal our country, but when Uhuru speaks as he did this week, it makes me cry. Is this what leadership is all about? Why should Uhuru speak as a little kid who as no sense? I am totally disappointed and at the same time, I am lost.
Someone should tell Uhuru to learn to disagree without calling people names. The way he acted in front of the whole country is childish and he must learn how to disagree without that kind of behavior.

Lastly, I am asking all of you good and learned friends to stand up for our country and not our tribes. Yes, we are all from different tribes, but our house and home is Kenya. So, we must think as such. Stop this simple and silly business of supporting anyone and everyone because he or she comes from your village. This is nonsense. Support serious, capable and brave people to help heal our country. Stand for Kenya and not for Individuals. Individuals come and go but our country remains for ever. Think big my fellow citizens and think of Kenya as one country. Be a statesman and a leader. Be a true patriot and be a genuine Kenyan. Everyone of you should help build the country and not tear it down.
I am tired and disappointed but will not lose hope. I will stand for Kenya. So help me God.
Job Ombati
The author of Kenya The Beloved.

Kibaki taking a wrong path

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo
New Jersey USA
The path President Kibaki has taken following Speaker Marende's ruling yesterday does not augur well for the Country's peace. Actually, the body language exhibited by the PNU brigades yesterday was a clear indication that they will coerce him to dismiss the Speaker's ruling on the nominations. From the President himself and his henchmen, I don’t read any passion for serving the Kenyan people- I see tribalism, greed for power, perpetuation of impunity through the retention of the status quo. If Mzee Kibaki campaigned tirelessly for the passage of the current constitution, we expect him to respect it to the letter rather than reneging on the same. There shall be no gray areas like the days of Nyayo. Kenyans fought in 2008 because he Kibaki failed the test of leadership, diplomacy and statesmanship. If he had followed fair play during the electioneering period and after, we would not be experiencing the current level of ethnic disharmony, mistrust and the circus about ICC. I wonder if he is seriously watching the events in the Middle East. Kenya is not exceptional because we’re tired seeing one man wanting to hold a nation of 40 million people under hostage.

The Leader Kenya need

The Leader Kenya need
By Joseph Lister Nyaringo,
New Jersey, USA
Those aspiring to lead a nation of 40 Million "must" be people with a a clean track record. We're tired of the politics of dynasty. We're tired of the politics of big man syndrome. We are tired of " big" names in Kenya's political realm. This time round, we need a "David" to save our nation from the morass of PROPAGANDA SYCOPHANCY, TRIBALISM, GREED, and GRAFT & INEQUALITY.
We want a leader who will narrow the gap between the haves and the don't haves. There is no reason why one family owns almost 35% of the nation's wealth ofcourse acquired illegally when many of our people are living in squalor- hand to mouth. In fact, as I write this piece, people in Turkana, Ukambani and Maasai land are eating herbs like antelopes. Others are living in the cold as IDPs, whose genesis was Kibaki’s clamour to retain the status quo.
Others cannot even afford a graveyard or a garden to plant sukuma wiki. Is this the country we want to bequeath to our children and the children of our children? It sad indeed and this time round, we cannot sit and wait. We are going to rise up in tens, hundreds, thousands and millions to say enough is enough to greed, impunity, sycophancy and tribalism.
The constitution that majority Kenyans passed last year must be respected to the letter. We need to stand up and be counted to defend the stand that the Speaker of the national assembly took yesterday if we truly want to make the constitution meaningful and beneficial to the people of Kenya.
Kenya's Statehouse belongs to any man or woman with values to fight for the Kenyan people and not himself, family or community. I end my opinion here with this Verse in the Holy Bible, Titus 1-7-8: For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
This the cardinal tenet to better leadership in any society.

No room for autocrats in the World after the overthrow of Mubarak

By Joseph Lister Nyaringo
New Jersey, USA
The recent overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt should be a wake up call for dictatorial regimes in the world to open freedom doors for their people.
Coming few weeks after the Tunisian dictator Zine El A. Ben Ali was deposed through mass resistance without gun power, it opens a new chapter for the people’s quest for freedom. Bringing down the two dictators was a great show of resiliency and determination from the Tunisian and Egyptian people.
All world tyrants should remember that their days are numbered. They should move helter skelter to embrace freedom and justice to their people. If the Egyptian people can topple a dictator who ruled them with an iron fist for 30 years through peaceful protests in a span of 18 days, nothing will stop the Iranians, Zimbabweans, and North Koreans from realizing the same aspiration.
The Middle East will never be the same again. The wind of change, which first started in Tunisia and then to Egypt has now moved to: Yemen, Jordan, Algeria, and Iran. It’s also likely to spread to other dictatorial regimes in the region like: Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya and Syria.
In the home front, our leaders should take a cue from the Middle East events. Nothing will stop Kenyans from rising up to demand for their rights especially when the gap between the rich and the poor keeps getting wide and wider. The rich have continued to a mass wealth when many Kenyans in the Country are eating herbs like antelopes while others are dying with their animals.

The wind of change in the Middle East should catalyse our leadership to liquidate impunity, fight graft and address historical injustices to pave the way for an equitable and just society for al Kenyans. If a bloodless revolution happened in Egypt and Tunisia, the same can happen in Yemen, Zimbabwe, North Korea, Iran or even Kenya.
We may enjoy freedom as a nation but economic disparity will compel us to revolt against the current leadership whose interest is the retention of power, which was the genesis of post election skirmishes of 2008. In fact, if President Kibaki had followed fair play during the electioneering period and after, we would not be experiencing the current level of ethnic disharmony.

On the other hand, if President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe would have said enough was enough and hand over power to Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe will be in a fair political footing.

I fail to understand why tyrants don’t care about their own future, families and legacy. I also wonder why a person who has enjoyed power, fame, huge emoluments, and respect will wait to be hounded from office and be forced to exile. Does it mean tyrants are only smart in consolidating power rather than pursuing a popular path, which is in tandem with the people’s aspirations? Why can’t they read the public mood?

I’m sure Hosni Mubarak and his closest associates, friends, and family may have seen an impending revolution from the people but ignored it.

From the late Adolf Hitler of Germany, and Benito Mussolini of Italy, dictators always end tragically. In Africa, former Ugandan dictator Idi Amini, and Mobutu Seseko of Zaire fled to exile and it’s so shameful that their remains were never interred in the Countries they once ruled.
Another tragic example is that of the late Slobodan Milosevic who after being indicted for war crimes, died in a prison cell in The Hague, while former Iraq strongman Sadam Hussein was put on the hangman’s noose for committing crimes against his own people.
It’s true Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If Hosni Mubarak had relinquished power a year a go, he would have suffered less humiliation to save his face. At least the World would have appreciated the fact that despite being a cruel dictator, he held Egypt together; making it the second American ally in the Middle East after Israel.

Good leadership is all about lifting people through sharing their predicaments and aspirations to achieve their destiny. It is rare to find a replica of Nelson Mandela; the epitome of selflessness, reconciliation and forgiveness in the World today.

Mandela may have not been perfect but leading South Africa for one term and voluntarily relinquishing power was phenomenal. Not many leaders will do what he did, even in Western democracies. The question is: shall the World ever produce another Mandela without a trace of dictatorship?

Finally, I do believe that our current leaders have learned a lesson after the overthrow of two dictators in the Middle East in a months’ span. I also believe that they are ready to effectively fight graft, impunity, tribalism and respect constitutional provisions. Time will tell but Kenyan people are very impatient.