Public office holders have duty to improve the lives of citizens

President William Ruto and Form 1 student Frank Lampard of Senende High School look at their watches after the Kenya Music Festival State Concert at the State Lodge, City of Eldoret, themed "Talent Development for Growth of the Creative Economy," aligned with the BETA Plan. [PCS]

Being in government means providing services to citizens. Quality service.  Tangible service. Legacy service. However, this is not how we have treated it since the rebranding of the Kenya Kwanza Cabinet. We will understand celebrations as akin to those seen in the release of the Form Four national exam results. The best-performing students celebrate with their parents, friends, and relatives. Top-performing schools hold celebrations to congratulate themselves.

A bit of celebration after success is in order. There are milestones in life that call for recognition and self-appreciation. It is good to give oneself this recognition. Throwing a party for oneself and close friends is important because, as psychologists and counsellors tell us, we need to develop a positive sense of self, which we often overlook. Occasions such as passing exams provide a moment to appreciate oneself with others, thereby strengthening a sense of positivity in one’s identity.

However, this kind of celebration is different from wild and mocking celebrations. Some political celebrations are nothing but taunting: they have an aura of revenge. These celebrations are organised in bad faith, with the intent of tormenting rivals. Even those that happen spontaneously generate a mood of victory, as if it were not deserving. Excessive celebration can be telling; too much celebration often indicates that one feels undeserving of the position. This can be understood through Alfred Adler’s theory of individual psychology, in which such behavior suggests an inferiority complex, revealing deeper insecurities masked by public displays of triumph.

Consider Prof. George Magoha as an example. He demonstrated a high capacity during vetting and worked tirelessly in education, regardless of the results. He had no room for wild celebration. This is how it should be done. What is my point? It is a privilege to hold a senior government position. This privilege should be used to improve the lives of fellow human beings, to touch lives, and to transform them. No greater human act attracts honor than dignifying people, especially those who are disadvantaged.

When one is appointed to a position, such as the Cabinet Secretary, they are elevated to the status of a national leader. The term “leader” should not be cheapened. Those who deserve such offices see social challenges to be overcome and opportunities to improve the lives of their citizens. Those who do not deserve these positions but maneuver their way into them often celebrate wildly, mock, and demean those who offer constructive critique because they are ontologically insecure.

For example, I have seen some senior government officials spewing unprintable words about Gen Z. They demean Gen Z as if they are themselves perfect. The advice is to seek to understand Gen Z’s world.  Leaders should not stoop so low as to insult 20-somethings. In addition, being in government does not mean abandoning the principles. Often, elected leaders hide behind the excuse that “politics is dirty’ to justify questionable behavior exhibited in public. This excuse is thin and undermines the integrity that characterises the public office. Good leaders exhibit the values and principles that they stand for.

Thus, the responsibility of being in the government should be taken with utmost seriousness. Leaders should remember that their legacy is not built on the moments of celebration but on quiet, consistent efforts to improve the lives of the people they serve. They should be driven by the desire to leave a lasting positive impact rather than the fleeting satisfaction of political victories. The true mark of a leader is their ability to rise above personal glory and focus on the greater good, leaving a legacy that speaks not just to their success, but to the success and dignity of the people they have been privileged to serve.

As a largely religious country, senior government officials should listen to this: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28).

Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication