I don’t often write about politics. Truthfully, I’m not a consistent or avid follower. I keep myself reasonably aware of public and
social affairs as well as global activities. Since my husband is much better at being
politically apprised, he is often my best source of information. Being in positions of influence as leaders, we
commit to being politically neutral given the risk of inadvertently swaying
someone’s thinking or their voting persuasion.
For us, following the ‘news’ is be about awareness and concern for our
community and nation. This often leads
us to prayer for the people including electoral officials, as well as a
consciousness of any advocacy opportunities.
Living in
Kenya for over a year has heightened for me a deep concern for national peace. The disputed elections of 2017 gave rise to
unfortunate violence, the innocent loss of life including children, ethnic
polarisation, and a political stalemate that adversely affected the country’s
economy for several months - a high price for citizens to pay. Last week a political twist appeared to bear
new light on a grim situation. The President and Opposition leader came
together with a ‘painful’ but important decision meant to end a ‘decades-old
vendetta’. When the new President was
elected last August, a People’s Assembly was created and on January 30, an
illegal ‘swearing in’ of a people’s President happened. This caused a deeper apprehension for future
stability. The surprising announcement a
few days ago revealed a dissolution of the People’s Assembly, providing
opportunity for improved strides of political unity and restored prospects for
the well-being of Kenyans as an anticipated priority. While the Opposition will
continue fighting for electoral reforms, reasonable political dialogue and an increased
effort towards unity is the fresh agenda. Building a peaceful nation appears to
be the goal, addressing issues of exclusion, poverty, and corruption. I am not naïve and I know political promises can be skeptical, but I do join Kenyans in hopeful optimism for better days
ahead.
As I read
the news articles surrounding this decree, I reflected on some leadership
principles. The negotiations leading to
the truce of President Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga were made solely between the two
leaders. The ‘deal’ was made in secret, leading to back lash from the party
members when the news surfaced. For
several days, no public discussion divulged the process or the reason for this
method of decision making, ensuing speculation and criticism. I couldn’t help
but reflect on the conviction Morris and I have about collaborative leadership.
When would I ever think it is right for a leader to ‘secretly’ meet with one
other person and make a decision that affects the many? Is this unhealthy
control or is there legitimate discretion for leaders to do this, especially if
the outcome appears positive? In the
case of Kenya’s political leaders, the ruling crafted seems beneficial for the
country – though more implications are arising. But what of the leadership method? Where was transparency, accountability, and
inclusion of others? Aren’t these inherent leadership values? Do leaders have a right to confidential or back
room processes when there is more at stake in the ‘big picture’ than what those
affected realise? As a spiritual leader, I have to ask, do we see this in
church governance? If so, what does it
look like? And when, if ever, is it okay?
Another piece that troubled me was the price for peace.
The cost which incurred over the past seven or eight months since the
first election included the death of 360 people due to political tension,
including virtuous children (I find that thought hard to shake) plus increased
tribal division. The political leaders have declared that justice will be
served and both parties will preach peace and reconciliation for all 44 tribes
as they move forward. As new information
regarding the goodwill discussions were revealed, the word ‘painful’ kept
recurring. Painful talks, a painful handshake, and painful processes have described what it has taken to reach greater hope for peace in Kenya. A painful price. I lament that anguish was experienced at so many levels. Isn’t that the case in so many global
situations and in many people’s personal lives? Our earthly truism - we are not free from pain, though its forms
vary. Yet, mysteriously beauty rises from ashes.
Pain. Gripping
torment. Skeptics. Agony. I think I’m describing someone else who walked a
painful road. His style of leadership? Humility. Suffering love. A servant. Alone, he willingly endured unjust pain for his cause
and ours. And on Good Friday, we will remember the cost of our peace,
the price paid for our reconciliation with God, and a restored hope for the
human race.
“The servant grew up like a tender young
plant. He grew like a root coming up
out of dry ground. He didn’t have any beauty or majesty that made us notice
him. There wasn’t anything special about the way he looked that drew us to him.
People looked down on him. They didn’t accept him. He knew all about pain and
suffering. He was like someone people turn their faces away from. We looked
down on him. We didn’t have any respect for him. He suffered the things we
should have suffered. He took on himself the pain that should have been ours.
But we thought God was punishing him. We thought God was wounding him and
making him suffer. But the servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was
crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole
again and His wounds have healed us.” (Isaiah 53:1-5, NIRV)
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