Five things our next president should do

Strong leaders across the world have left a legacy based on their capacity to rise above narrow interests to give priority to national interests.

Given the political intrigues and realignments already in high gear towards 2022, it is good to offer thoughts to aspiring presidential candidates on what will make or break them. More specifically, there are critical issues that a good candidate should consider important, not necessarily because such a candidate would believe in them, but because Kenyans desire a felt realisation of the independence dream of experiencing freedom and plenty within their borders.

First, national unity has been elusive in Kenya for many reasons, including an entrenched culture of tribalism. We have not had a leader who significantly inspires a spirit of patriotism to the extent that Kenyans respect institutions of governance for the sake of national unity. Our Fifth President should therefore be someone who has capacity to rally individuals, tribes, institutions and diversities into one force that drives our identity as Kenyans. Strong leaders across the world have left a legacy based on their capacity to rise above narrow interests to give priority to national interests.