This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
On July 26, 2019, Kenya lost a young leader who embodied the values of selflessness and servant leadership. Kenneth Okoth, the Kibra MP, was a man cut from a rare kind of cloth, one that is scarce in Kenyan public life.
Okoth's commitment to his constituents was evident in the way he used his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to build schools, a feat that dwarfed the efforts of his parliamentary colleagues. This was not a coincidence, given that Okoth grew up in Kibra and had a deep understanding of the community's needs.
As a leader, Okoth defied the norm by not using his position for personal gain. Instead, he worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of others, leaving behind a generation of young leaders who look up to him as a role model.
Okoth's legacy is a reminder that leadership is not about personal enrichment, but about serving others. His story is a testament to the power of servant leadership, a quality that is essential in building a better Kenya.
As we remember Okoth, we must also reflect on the values he represented. Will the political elite follow in his footsteps and prioritize the needs of the people over their own interests? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kenneth Okoth will always be remembered as a leader who loved Kenya and worked tirelessly to make it a better place.
