This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Published on October 8, 2019, by MACHARIA GAITHO, a renowned author.
As we reflect on the recent World Championships in Athletics held in Doha, Qatar, it's clear that the sporting arena offers valuable lessons for our nation.
The event reminded us of what it truly means to be Kenyan – a nation that excels on the world stage, competing alongside superpowers like the United States and China.
Unlike in politics, where ethnic divisions are often exploited, the sporting arena is a level playing field where excellence is the only criterion for selection.
Whether it's athletics, rugby, football, or any other sport, we understand that the best men and women must be chosen to represent Kenya, without any ethnic or regional balance.
This approach has yielded impressive results, with Kenyan athletes consistently dominating global competitions.
So, what can we learn from the sporting world and apply to our politics?
One key lesson is that we must celebrate success rather than mediocrity. We must recognize that victory comes from hard work, determination, and planning, not from exploiting ethnic divisions or engaging in corrupt practices.
Another important lesson is that we must demand the best from our leaders, just as we do from our athletes. We must elect leaders based on their qualifications, expertise, and platforms, not on their ability to exploit ethnic divisions or engage in corrupt practices.
Unfortunately, our country has failed to apply these lessons, with politicians often prioritizing their self-interest over the nation's well-being.
As a result, we've seen the twin cancers of ethnicity and corruption undermine our progress and prevent us from achieving our true potential as a nation.
It's time for us to take responsibility for our actions and demand better from our leaders. We must elect leaders who will put the nation's interests above their own and work towards creating a better Kenya for all.
