A leader is a person who can paint a picture that will cause people to leave their present to pursue a future
As Kenya prepares for elections, the conversation on leadership has become loud.
For over five decades, whenever I ask people about our problem as Africa, they say it is leadership. What or who is a leader?
There is a difference between a leader and an office holder. Many people who scramble and lobby for high office are doing so because they have an illusion that when they get to the top they will become leaders.
In many places — and especially in politics — it can feel like we have more politicians than true leaders. A leader puts vision, service, and long-term benefit first. A politician with selfish interests puts image, survival, and personal gain first. Right now, in much of the world, citizens often seRead more
In many places — and especially in politics — it can feel like we have more politicians than true leaders.
A leader puts vision, service, and long-term benefit first.
A politician with selfish interests puts image, survival, and personal gain first.
Right now, in much of the world, citizens often see:
Short-term decision-making driven by the next election cycle instead of the next generation.
Policy shaped to please donors or special interests rather than the people most affected.
Scrambling for political positioning rather than steady guidance through tough issues.
That doesn’t mean all leaders are gone — there are still some who serve with integrity. But they’re often drowned out by the noise of self-preserving politics, or they get pushed aside because true leadership sometimes means making unpopular but necessary decisions.
The real test is whether those in power are willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the public good. If not, we’re left with managers of power, not stewards of society.
See lessThat’s a powerful and deeply relevant question — especially in the context of Kenya and many other countries today: > Do we have leaders, or are we just scrambling for politicians with selfish interests? Let’s unpack this. --- 🧭 Leaders vs. Politicians – What’s the Difference? True Leader TypicalRead more
That’s a powerful and deeply relevant question — especially in the context of Kenya and many other countries today:
> Do we have leaders, or are we just scrambling for politicians with selfish interests?
Let’s unpack this.
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🧭 Leaders vs. Politicians – What’s the Difference?
True Leader Typical Politician (selfish)
Serves the people Serves themselves
Thinks long-term (future generations) Thinks short-term (next election)
Builds unity, empowers citizens Divides people to gain control
Takes responsibility Blames others
Uses power to transform Uses power to enrich themselves
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🇰🇪 In Kenya’s Case…
Many citizens today feel like:
Politics has become a career, not a calling.
Elections are tribal chess games, not value-based choices.
Promises vanish after the campaign trail.
Youth, the poor, and the honest are sidelined in favor of wealthy, connected elites.
In this climate, it can feel like we are scrambling for the “less bad” option, not choosing true leaders.
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💭 So… Do We Have Leaders?
Yes — but they are often:
Silenced by the loud noise of the corrupt
Locked out by systems rigged for the rich and powerful
Unnoticed because they lead in quiet, grassroots ways: teachers, community organizers, youth advocates, nurses, and activists
The challenge is not that leaders don’t exist.
The problem is that power is often held by people who aren’t leading — they’re managing their personal survival or empire.
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🔥 The Real Question:
Are we as citizens:
Voting based on tribe, money, or handouts — or **vision,
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