Why I no longer envy those holding public offices

By Ferdinand Mwongela

The more news of senior government officials being dragged before anti corruption officers and vetting panels for grilling hit the headlines, the more a number of my childhood ambitions die a slow death.

When we were growing up, the only ‘celebs’ we knew were government officials, or quasi-government officials.

These wannabe’s strutting dog chains in the name of bling or baring bodies were still unheard off, unless you count the local hooker known for early morning brawls and shrill demands for payment.

Anyway, away from the District Officer’s gleaming white land rover, the local Kanu functionary was the other person who called the shots.

I remember the chap was a  ‘youth winger’ yet he was 40-something, still quite possible especially in today’s context where my father’s age mates are still calling themselves young Turks.

Anyway, the Kanu chap with his striped tie and cockerel tiepin enjoyed power, only rivalled by the local chief and his band of Administration Police officers.

Speech

Further up the chain was the D.O. of course, the District Commissioner was not one to be joked with and I cannot comment on his lifestyle since I only saw him during national celebrations reading the president’s speech.

Children or people who showed pride or were generally unwilling to participate in chores around the house would be asked if they thought they were the D.C. who had to be served or seated while others worked. You catch my drift? Dont you?

So ‘serikali’ was respected and anyone who held a worthy position in government was held in high esteem. Thus, as I child I had a dream of being a government official.

Then came the new Constitution and everything went to the dogs, overzealous vetting tribunals and anti-corruption cops are stripping away the dignity I always dreamt about. Oh boy, how I miss those days when senior government officials were untouchables.

Today, hearing some senior cop stammer trying to explain how he has amassed hundreds of millions of shillings by investing in eggs or any other strange business ventures changes the all-powerful image we had about police.

Not long ago, I remember some judges being declared “unfit” to serve in the Judiciary. Then there is the image of anti-graft cops busting through your door and windows as you try to digest your lunch and dragging you off like some cattle rustler, to answer to some ‘alleged’ charges.

Jeez! Can’t a man eat in peace?

Heck! Even cash cow parastatals are going through a bleak time, for those who milk them. Bosses are switched faster than you can scream ‘yangu’ (mine).

The local wag mused that ironically most of these people land other jobs or are quietly returned to office.

By the way, One of my New Year resolution is to try out those investments I heard the top cops say brought them a lot of wealth.