Identify and elect legacy leaders instead of powerful candidates

United Opposition leaders address the Press after visiting the residence of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Nairobi on December 16, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

There is a clear difference between leaders by virtue of office and leaders by virtue of knowledge, skills, and especially wisdom. For example, holding the most powerful office in a country does not in itself amount to leadership capacity. Authority may be acquired through election or appointment, but legacy leadership is exercised through moral discernment. The Scripture captures this distinction in the account of Solomon, who, when invited to ask for anything, did not seek wealth, military strength, or long life, but asked for wisdom to govern the people entrusted to him (1 Kings 3:9–12).