Claiv K

Prof. George Saitoti once reminded us: “There comes a time when the nation is more important than an individual.” That time is now. Let it be known: no one owns the opposition, no one owns a region, and no Kenyan is more Kenyan than another. Every Kenyan has the right to choose their political party, to campaign in their own way and style, and to express their political views without intimidation, bullying or condescension. We cannot preach democracy while attempting to silence those who disagree with us. We cannot demand respect while treating fellow leaders and citizens like children who must be lectured, ordered around or given permission to participate in politics. Kenya belongs to all of us. No individual, however influential, has a proprietary claim over a region or its people. Leadership is not about bullying others into submission, creating unnecessary drama or declaring oneself the gatekeeper of a community. Leadership is about bringing people together, listening, persuading and earning trust. And to my brother, let me say this with respect: respect is earned, not demanded. You do not command respect by lecturing others; you earn it through humility, character, consistency and the ability to respect those who may not agree with you. The opposition cannot afford to become a collection of personal fiefdoms and competing egos. The country is bigger than any individual, any party, any region and any political ambition. Let us remember what Saitoti taught us: when the nation calls, the individual must take second place.