The
battle for elective positions is fast taking shape even as Kenyans prepare to
vote in new leaders in less than a year.
And
apart from the presidency, Nairobians can expect a bruising battle for the
lucrative governor’s post. Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa is preparing
to face other contestants, including the incumbent, Evans Kidero, in the battle
to become governor of the richest county.
Some
say leadership in Nairobi is difficult and needs a near-violent type of leader.
This notion is unfortunate because no one wants violence. Let us not rationalize
hooliganism in the name of leadership. In this day and age, only the law should
hold sway. Fidelity to the Constitution makes perfect sense as it yields order
and good governance.
William
Henry Channing says the great hope of society is in individual character.
Wamalwa comes across as a sober leader of great character. Unlike some of his
would-be rivals, the CS exhibits a calm, unassuming and charismatic mien, just
like his older brother, the late vice president Michael Kijana Wamalwa.
He
is not a war-monger. Instead, he oozes measured courage and remains
convincingly audacious as a leader. His steely determination and pragmatism give
him the temperament of an ambitious, suave, political operative, with the
finesse and charm of a go-getter. These are qualities a 21st century capital
city in a developing world should be thirsting for. Nairobi would do well with
an injection of fresh ideas and Wamalwa would provide just that.
The
CS chose not to contest the Saboti parliamentary seat in 2013 because he had
his eyes on bigger things. It is likely he’ll gun for president one day and the
race for the city’s top job sets the perfect stage for him.