This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
Published on August 4, 2019, by Tom Mshindi, a former editor-in-chief of Nation Media Group.
Kenya has witnessed a tragic loss of three leaders to cancer in recent times, each leaving behind a legacy that has sparked a national conversation about leadership, mortality, and the importance of leaving a positive impact.
Bob Collymore, the former CEO of Safaricom, Ken Okoth, a second-time parliamentarian for Kibra, and Joyce Laboso, a teacher-turned-politician and Bomet governor, may have had different backgrounds and careers, but they shared a common trait – their commitment to serving others.
Collymore's 10-year tenure at Safaricom was marked by massive profits, innovative marketing, and a down-to-earth style that endeared him to Kenyans. His courage in confronting his mortality and his positivity in the face of a terminal disease inspired many.
Okoth's life story is equally luminous. He was mourned as a servant-leader, known for his laid-back approach, empathy with his constituents, and his decision to offer himself to serve despite having other options. His use of Constituency Development Fund resources to improve education and health in Kibra was a testament to his commitment to serving others.
Laboso's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can leave a lasting impact. She lived with cancer for many years before it mutated into a deadly variant, and her approach to life was influenced by her acceptance of her situation. President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogized her as a great leader, a competent politician, and a true friend.
These three leaders demonstrated that leadership is a calling to serve, demanding acute awareness of time, place, and destiny. They showed that it can be done, and that if one has the privilege of knowing their date with fate, they should amplify lessons about leadership, humanity, and positive legacy.
Tom Mshindi is a former editor-in-chief of Nation Media Group and is now consulting.
