Rising above all odds,Brian Weke from a matatu tout to a CEO

BRIAN WEKE, the Chief Executive Officer of Institute for Education in Democracy (IED), was once poor earning a living as a matatu tout. He shares with NANJINIA WAMUSWA how determination has changed his fortunes.

 There have been a lot of stories about your horrible childhood. Was it that bad?

I was born in Jerusalem, Eastlands in 1980 to a 16-year-old mother. This was the typical life for young girls in Eastlands then. After that, my mother went on with her life, leaving me under the care of my grandparents, Daniel and Lucia Weke. Unfortunately, Daniel, a former clerk at Nairobi City Council died in 1982, just two years after my birth. Lucia did menial jobs at Safi Industries, which baked bread, but the money she got was little and could not sustain us. When l joined Dr. Livingstone Primary School, life became harder. I went to school in tattered clothes with tens of patches and most of the time l was out of school for lack of fees. In Class Seven, I joined matatu industry as a tout for matatus plying route 23 between town and Outering Estate to assist my grandmother settle bills. I made between Sh100 and Sh150 in a day (on weekends and evenings after school).

Of all the menial jobs around, why did you settle on touting?

At that time in Eastlands, the only opportunity for any youth was playing soccer, singing or boxing. I played soccer well, and could also sing, but my immediate need was money. Also, as a tout, no one asked you for credentials. It depended on your hard work. I was inspired by my cousin and close friends who worked on the road.

Do people respect you, since you came from the chaotic matatu industry?

I command a lot respect. In fact, l started earning respect while on the road because l was a very clean and wore suits during my road duties. Today, I am one of the founders of River of God Matatu Sacco.

What was your childhood dream?

I wanted to become either a pilot or lawyer. I am happy that I am on path to realizing my dream, because I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree at Catholic University. About being a pilot, my current wish is to fly a private plane, not commercial one.

How did you end up at Cradle?

After high school in 1998, l didn’t have the money to join college after failing to make it to university. I got into matatu work full time. At this time, l also learned to drive. In 2002, Cradle advertised for driver vacancy, which l applied and was selected. The panelist doubted me and thought since l am light-skinned, l was too posh for the job (my whole family is light-skinned). During the interview, they asked me if l could wash toilets. I said yes and got the job.

You have worked at Cradle - a non-profit children’s rights organisation for 11 years. Are there achievements you are proud of?

When I started my job as a programme’s officer, dealing with children rights and awareness, there was no money. By the time I was leaving, it was the most funded office after initiating award winning ideas, penning proposals and fund-raising. I also initiated a girls’ mentorship project called ‘Girls Shall’ in Suba, where they learn leadership skills.

You once threatened to sue a publication that listed you as an eligible bachelor. Can you clarify?

I am married with two children, Leticia Weke 12 and Kimba Weke four months.

How do you find fatherhood?

Fatherhood is no big joke as every day has its own challenges and experiences. But my job at Cradle -where l dealt with children - helped me understand a lot about parenthood. Children are not brought up by what you say, but by what you do.

You have good looks, which are most likely a magnet for women. Do you have trouble handling them?

I am so much disciplined. I respect myself and my wife. There have been numerous allegations of affairs out there. They are completely false.

Why did you join activism, which you seem so passionate about?

I joined to address rights abuses in Eastlands, because the police exploited the residents and they did not know their rights. People ran away when they saw a policeman even when they had done nothing wrong. I am happy a lot has changed and people know their rights.

Does activism pay?

Activism does not pay. Instead, you spend a lot of money on cases you file.

Why do rights activists fade and cease to be a people's voice once they join politics?

Activists forget to champion the rights of the people probably because the effects of politics are very strong. You either follow the powers that be or continue with independent thoughts and face the consequences.

You battled for the Embakasi West parliamentary seat and lost. Why did the electorate, with whom you share a lot in common, deny you the seat?

More than 35,000 people voted for me. That is not a loss. I joined politics because it was the best platform to serve them better. But l still pay fees for many students and connect others from Eastlands to employment opportunities.

Tell us about your current job.

I am the CEO of Institute for Education in Democracy (IED) that deals with matters of governance and the electoral process. It is mandated to ensure elections are free and fair in Kenya and Africa. I took up the job in January. Currently, I am happy and committed to what I am doing at IED, which requires me to be independent and non-partisan.

You left Cradle last December as deputy director, yet it made you who are what inspired the move?

I started working at Cradle in 2002 as driver, earning Sh15, 000 per month. After saving for some time, l started schooling. The education helped me to get promotions to programme officer, programme manager and deputy director by the time l left. It was time to scale new heights.

Where did you go to school?

After Dr Livingstone Primary School, I joined Buruburu High School then Gusii Highlight School, a private boarding school in Kisii where l sat for the national exams (KCSE) in 1998, scoring mean grade of a B. I have two degrees in Business Administration, one from Newport University in the US, and another at Limkokwing University, Malaysia. I have a Master of Science in Organisational Development from the United States International University (USIU). I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law degree at Catholic University.

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