President William Ruto had a golden opportunity last Sunday to address the nation's unrest and prove he was listening. Instead, his media interview was a letdown.
True peace is built on mutual respect and dialogue. When leaders ignore their people's cries, peace becomes a facade. The use of state organs and allies, like churches, to enforce peace only deepens the fractures.
Here is a link: https://x.com/TheStarKenya/status/1809468168219381948?t=r-Pu3hJUD1YoGkzHwQYkpQ&s=19
Real peace can't be enforced from above. It grows from genuine engagement and listening. Successful African leaders, like Tanzania's Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, understood this. In contrast, despotic regimes often fall into chaos.
Governance isn't about power but fostering a community. Leaders must listen as much as they speak. Ignoring people's voices leads to broken promises and unrest, as seen recently in Kenya.
A leader who doesn't listen creates fear and distrust. Suppressed grievances simmer until they explode into chaos. Silence is not consent but a sign of brewing discontent.
Disconnected rulers become irrelevant, drifting like dead spirits. Governance without listening loses legitimacy. Leaders must embrace the shared experiences and wisdom of their people.
Listening bridges authority and legitimacy. It fosters trust and cooperation, ensuring resilient governance. Ignoring the people transforms leadership into a monologue that fails to inspire.
The voice of the people is the soul of governance. Discarding it leaves an empty shell. Listening infuses decisions with the people's lifeblood, ensuring relevance and acceptance.
Power without listening is oppressive. When leaders listen, power becomes service. This builds respect and stability. Silence from the ruled is a prelude to upheaval.
A wise old hermit once told a king, “You are surrounded by sound but not by voices.” The king listened, transforming his rule and becoming a beloved leader.
Ignoring the people’s voice leads to a brittle authority. True leadership listens and responds, nurturing peace and unity. The President missed his chance to show this.