Back from Hibernation with a Tribute to A Great Woman...

Long break from writing but an ample opportunity to reflect on our gains so far and the need to have persons of strong will and untainted character, who would never hesitate to go to unfathomable heights to ensure respect for the rule of law – especially the constitution and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

It is in this regard that I wish to highlight two characters with no similarities whatsoever but who both have/had a chance to do right and/or make right.

Number 1 – Our Very Own Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Son from the loin of Our Nation’s great Founding Father.

The law is very clear on the budget reading process. Though quite elaborate, the writers of this constitution were fully aware of the challenges it would pose. However, they were more importantly alive to the fact that things had to change. The budget making process is one where Kenyans must be involved in. The era (error) of budgets shrouded in mystery (and purposeful typing errors) is long gone. Kenyans, through their democratically elected representatives have to own the budget making process and governance generally.

The writers of the constitution were not out of their minds when they penned these procedures down. These provisions and the constitution generally were accepted widely by Kenyans not to punish anybody but rather in the full realization of the history of running a country from behind walls and closed doors, and what such handling of things has done for this our great Republic.

The DPM – Finance, has the spotlight fully on him. He either has a chance of respecting the law and supporting the constitution or doing that which has been the norm, showing utter disdain for the rule of law.

I have great reservations about the arguments being made about the impracticality of reading the 2011-2012 budget in line with the new constitution. I fear what might be the impact on the general implementation process if at this early stage – hardly one year into it – we as Kenyans collude to disregard the law.   

Number 2. – One of Africa’s Great Heroin (or ‘shero’ as Madam Charity N. would say)!

Africa mourns (but most importantly celebrates) Mama Albertina Sisulu wife to the late Walter Sisulu, and a leader in her own right.

When the South was rife with apartheid – a clear disregard of the rule of law and a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, Mama Sisulu not only spearheaded the Anti-Apartheid cause but took on the role of mentor when the greats (Nelson Mandela and her husband Walter Sisulu) were incarcerated on Robben Island. She was humble and an inspiration to all – especially the young women and aspiring politicians in South Africa and Africa at large.

When called upon to step up and push for the respect of the rule of law and democracy, she did exactly that.

What an invaluable lesson this is especially to those of my generation who yearn for positions merely for celebrity hood and self aggrandizement. Leadership is selfless, leadership is service…….leadership is NOT about you!

We salute you Mama Sisulu, you will definitely be missed!!!