What politicians must learn from this Christmas as 2022 approaches

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The events before and after the birth of Jesus Christ were a political odyssey. Born in Bethlehem of Judea to Virgin Mary and Joseph, over 2000 years ago, his coming was culturally and politically dramatic. We all know how it ruffled political feathers in the streets of Jericho, Judea — the kingdom under Herod the Great, courtesy of the Roman Empire.

History acknowledges Herod the great for building fortresses, bridges, theatres, and monumental buildings — his record of accomplishment was unprecedented. However, he failed at the point of nurturing God’s vision — of a King whose birthday we celebrate today. Thus, this Christmas presents seven lessons for our politicians and leaders that will be of great help toward 2022 elections.

The first lesson: It was appalling that the King of Judea, together with his officials, did not notice the star signifying the birth of a new monarch. Instead, heavens chose shepherds and three pagans from Babylon (the magi) to render tribute to Jerusalem.

Kindly Herod lacked political goodwill to welcome a new vision. Likewise, God is not short of options; if He realises that leaders are not ready to invest in posterity, He has enough stock of His creation to use. Period!

Secondly, heaven remains true to its vision in case the current leadership becomes ineffective and adamant. God knew Herod and his kinsmen would seek to kill the future leader, even when it was clear that when the new King comes of age to be enthroned, Herod would be too old to rule.

Against the chagrin of Herod and a lesson to our leaders, heavens have it that; once a generation has served its time and purpose; whether it did it faithfully or it squandered its opportunities, it must give way for the new generation.

Thus, many Governors, Senators, MPs, MCAs and other political leaders face constitutional retirement come 2022. They are obliged to hand over leadership to the next generation. For this reason, Nelson Mandela of South Africa stands as a paragon of selfless leadership in Africa.

He believed in the leadership of the next generation; and our leaders should emulate him.

Third, the birth of Christ teaches us that the new King, whether they come from the palace or from among the commoners, has the full backing and protection of the high heavens. We learn that when Herod planned to thwart the plans of God. He (God) is not a respecter of men. Like king Laius of Thebes in Greek mythology, the oracle endured, and the King lived.

The fourth lesson is this: when Herod planned to kill Jesus, two years after his birth, the Angel of God gave Joseph a clear message — take the baby to Egypt, hide it there until those seeking his life are dead. When Kenya got independence in 1963, the people who formed the government and were in various leadership positions are no longer with us. Heavens knew that Herod is not everlasting — he couldn’t outlive the new King. Nature tolerates us because we aren’t eternal; failing to align with its plan is kicking against the goad.

Lesson number five is that God isn’t in a hurry — He is God of seasons and knows when someone should come and exit power. Note that this isn’t about Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, and neither is it about William Ruto—it applies equally to leaders at all levels. Our God of seasons has ordained time for one to come to power and to be out.

Sixth, all leadership is ordained of God. So, if He ordains a leader to feed on Lucerne, no one can question. He is the King of kings—the Commander of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. That is the nature of the King whom we celebrate his birth today—Jesus Christ. Just as Herod was ordained of God and God dethroned him, our leaders must know heaven is active placing and re-placing.

Lesson number seven is grand—whether you acknowledge God’s existence or not — He reigns in heaven and on earth. After the biblical King Nebuchadrezzar, a king called Belshazzar, decided to wish God away.

With full knowledge and experience of what God Almighty could do, he took God’s vessels and made his concubines and guests drink from them—a sacrilege that cost his crown.  I don’t wish our politicians to go through such experiences.

Question though, have you messed with holy vessels? — The destinies entrusted to you by the King of kings; the MP of MPs, the Governor of governors; the Senator of senators? The good news is the judge is born, alive and kicking— he will dash you to pieces like pottery in 2022 if you haven’t kept the promises.

Merry Christmas!

-Dr Ndonye is a political economist of media and communication