those who fought for the national independence of the country. There
are also those who struggled for political liberalisation. During the
presidential awards and Head of State Commendations one finds that
the high achievers are hardly ever recognised, while many are deco-
rated whose integrity is doubted by ordinary citizens. Loyalty seems
to be rated as more important than integrity, diligence and procuctivity.
i) Human Rights and Human Dignity : The protection, respect
and promotion of human rights is an important responsibility for any
political leadership that has been democratically elected. A country
will be peaceful and prosperous whenever and wherever there is no
discrimination. When the citizens are aware that their rights are
respected they will also exercise their responsibilities such as paying
taxes and obeying the just laws. It is therefore very important to incul-
cate an ethos of human rights among the people at all social levels.
Institutions to enforce human rights should be developed and allowed
to do their duties without any hindrance. The citizens should also be
encouraged to form groups that will ensure that human rights are not
violated. With commitment to human dignity, institutions of correc-
tion and remand should be subjected to strict scrutiny on how they
treat the inmates. Where political leadership respects human rights
there should be no discrimination of any kind. The rights of the
minorities should be respected in order for democracy to thrive. Peace
is guaranteed when all people consider each other as equal partners
in national endeavours. Ethnicity that has destroyed the unity of our
country will not have room where human rights are respected.
Responsible leadership should respect the international conventions
and protocols on human rights. In these ways political leaders can
win the confidence of the electorate to whom they are accountable.
- The Future of Responsible Political Leadership
Here we need to discuss how to guarantee responsible political
leadership in Kenya. What are those things that we need to do as citi-
zens and as leaders? First, we need to advocate for discussions in var-
ious fora where people thrush out what they expect from their lead-
ers. Second, we also advocate for seminars for leaders of all cadres.
When people have been elected to various positions it is important to
have seminars to discuss their role in the positions to which they have
been elected. Many councillors, for example, do not understand their
work. Many are semi-illiterate. Third, there should be programs to
train the youth for leadership. Responsibilities should be delegated to
them. The current constitution has contributed to the election of irre-
sponsible leadership in this country. Wherever the constitution makes
provision for elective leadership, it demands qualifications and not
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