INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY
Wednesday,
February 6, 2013 @ 1130-1230
REBUILDING
THE WALL OF KENYA AT THIS TIME
Thank
you for inviting me to share with us. I read that this is an institution
dedicated to producing the best of our leaders. And that is what Kenya needs,
and urgently so. Leaders whose hearts
respond to a higher call. Leaders who see the problem and instead of riding on
it, fix it. Leaders who are ashamed by what is a shame to God and his people.
Leaders who are connected to the people to understand their problems and
connected to God in order to solve them. Leaders who understand that better
systems are important but not the ultimate solution to the plight of man.
That
is why I came to speak to us today. To challenge us to look at the problem not
with the fear of tomorrow, but with the courage to act today as God give us the
ability. To look at our fellow Kenyans not as a mere statistics for winning
elections, or numbers for county allocations, but as persons who have innate
value. People whose dignity and destiny matters to God.
Kenya
is undergoing a transition within a transition. It is a first in many ways.
First we are undergoing of transition of government as we exit the Kibaki
administration. Secondly, we are undergoing a constitutional transition as we
exit central and usher a devolved system of government. We have numerous new
offices created both in Parliament, Executive, Judiciary and Independent
Offices and Commissions. Yesterdays launch of new salary scales may be a good
pointer to the new structure. Our dual transition as time of change provide for
us with an opportunity to make or break our beloved country. our last
transition of government was not as juicy and we all know what it did to the
fabric of our country. We cannot as some would want us to, ignore what happened
then. But how badly don’t we want a repeat of 2008 Post Election Violence? Are
our individual choices and hence actions reflective of our resolve to never
again see bloodshed?
My
concern is that the 2008 PEV was just but a tip of the iceberg. It surfaced
concerns and long held grievances which I doubt have been well addressed.
Instead we have been led to believe that a political compromise inevitably
addressed the socio-economic and political grievances that were there before. A
number of hard hitting realities are important:
1. We are a society that seeks security in
numbers and our basis of mobilization towards that is in our known associations
(read ethnic groups and to some extent religious affiliation);
2. We are a highly unequal society, it is
estimated that 2/3rds of the population
of Nairobi lives in a third of Nairobi in largely informal settlements;
3. We are a water scarce society, we are largely dependent
on rain water, much of which goes wasted as we have not put in place sufficient
mechanisms for harvesting it;
4. We are increasing becoming a functionally
illiterate society, studies have it that we are having children in class 8 who
cannot read a class 5 story book (see reports by Elimu Yetu Coalition), for
instance does it concern us that the first KCPE student in 2003 had 482 Marks
while in 2012 had 430 Marks;
5. While we have put a lot of emphasis in
democtratic practices such as regular elections and a functional parliament, we
are yet to embrace democratic principles and values – of tolerance for
differing opinion, the rule of law, respect for public office, dignity in
public utterances and decorum, integrity in managing public resources and
objectiveness in media broadcasts.
6. Poverty has become a good of trade sold to the
highest bidder. Infact politicians have been on record fighting to have the
most poor constituency. This is because it translates into more cash which
rarely goes to solve the actual cause of the problem.
7. In terms of Faith, many a Kenyan are
Christians by association and not by conviction. If they were then corruption
would not be a matter at all.
These
are the reports that meet us on everyday basis. Yet on the other hand Kenyans
are hardworking and very hopeful people. Even in the worst of times, we hope
and work for the best even if just to benefit ourselves. Today we are in
Nehemiah’s shoes. Who was Nehemiah? Reading in Nehemiah 2:11-20, He was a privileged man. Though in exile he
had a good life. He lived and worked in statehouse. Serving the King. He never
saw the potholes nor experienced cold nights. He had all that many of us are
seeking. Job security and a stable career. But when he hears that his land is
in trouble he gets troubled. He prays, resolves to act and goes ahead to act.
He steps out of his comfort zone and faces the reality of his people. I look at
each of us, and I see a Nehemiah. Studying in one of the best institutions in
Africa. Getting prepared to occupy the offices of the high and mighty. The
difference between us and the Nehemiah of old is just but one: whether we will
decide to act or will remain undecided which is effectively a decision not to
act. We cannot remain in our palaces. Be they study, prayer rooms, comfortable
offices, progressive careers. We are being called to join God in rebuilding his
country Kenya. And this I suggest is going to be a one stone at a time process.
The
problems facing us are great to one person, but they are nothing to a community
of God fearing and determined persons. Nehemiah assesses the situation and
plans carefully. He knows that while he bears the vision, he cannot accomplish
it alone. So he brings others on board, they together work at rebuilding the
wall. Each working on a different section of the wall. What is in a wall and a
gate. They symbolize security, protection and community. Today kenya is in dire
need of leaders who will lead us in rebuilding the wall of the various sectors.
But ours is even a tougher job for there are walls we must first pull down.
Walls of division. Walls of ignorance and blind adherence to evil practices.
We
are called to rebuild the wall of food security. The wall of healthcare. The
wall of entrepreneurship. The wall of security. The wall of education. The wall
of family unit. The wall of unity in diversity. The wall of social and economic
inclusion. The wall of peace. This is breaking the task into smaller units that
are manageable. None of us can fix everything, but each of us must step out and
fix something. We have lamented for so long on the problems we face but it’s
time to arise and act. It starts with each of us exercising leadership as personal responsibility. It starts with electing the leaders who
are responsible for their actions. They may not be as popular, but their track
record should show what they can do given a chance. It is time to start planning a return to our
counties and go to fix the systems that are broken there so that politicians do
not transfer the inefficiencies of the central government there.
We
can talk till dusk but change will only come if we arise and act. We must, as
Nehemiah did, let people judge us by our actions not our talk. To work and
defend the people of God from the evil schemes of the Tobias and Sanballats of
our generation. To oppose them through our good deeds. That is the solemn call
that I have decided to respond to. We must be willing to work and rebuild the
wall. Some through the government as officials. Some through the elective
political positions. Some by addressing the software in churches. Some through
working with international partners. In whatever place we find ourselves, we
must be busy using every resource at our exposure to rebuild our country.
The
journey ahead will not be easy for the spaces we want to influence, are
occupied by others. However Daniel’s words give us courage, (Daniel 11:31-35) that
they who know the Lord their God shall be strong and will do exploits. I
believe we are the people Daniel was referring too. People who (quoting John
Maxwell) when others are sitting, stand up; when other stand up, they stand
out; when others stand out, they are outstanding; when others are outstanding,
they are the standard. We are called to set that standard. That whatever we do,
will be graced with excellence and legacy. Looking forward to the author and
finisher of our faith as continue in this race. My prayer is that we shall
appear in history books as those people who contributed to the solutions of the
myriad problems facing us. This we do for His glory. Amen.
In Service to God and Our Country
Abraham Rugo Muriu
Inspiring!
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