JAMILA'S MEMO: The kondoo headcount

From where many of us are sitting, it feels like politicians see us less as citizens and more like wajinga, or perhaps kondoo expected to listen, nod, say “baaa” or “meee” and move on. You see, when you hold public office, you do not just get a title, it is also a responsibility.

So when you step onto any podium, whether it is Parliament, a press briefing, a rally, or a TV interview, you are not there as an individual, but as the custodian of the trust we gave you.

So it is always fascinating, and by fascinating I mean exhausting, when leaders speak with a tone that suggests, “We can say whatever we want, mtado?” Because lately, that is what it sounds like, just delivering statements without any preparation, or dodging answers instead of explaining.

Facts that appear flexible. And sometimes, the explanations they give raise more questions than the original issue, hata unashangaa, unajiuliza kama ni wewe huelewi.

And here is the thing, Kenyans are not unreasonable. We do not expect perfection, you all have so many flaws, hata perfection hatutarajii. I blame us for this, but that is a story for another day. We do not expect that you will have all the answers at your fingertips.

But what we are expecting is honesty and respect, and that when you stand before the public, you will treat that moment with the seriousness it deserves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying, “I do not have that information right now, but I will find out and get back to you.” In fact, that would be refreshing, very refreshing.

What is far less acceptable is speaking with confidence about things that are clearly inaccurate, dismissing legitimate concerns, playing politics, or behaving as though public scrutiny is an inconvenience, when it is supposed to be a cornerstone of democracy.

And interestingly, the conversation about truth is not just happening here. In Wales, in what is being described as a world-first, a law is being developed to make lying by leaders illegal.

You almost imagine what would happen if we tried that here. We might have to hold elections a little earlier than planned, because we could suddenly find ourselves with a serious shortage of leaders.

But perhaps there is another uncomfortable truth. Maybe, just maybe, we also need to ask ourselves whether we get the leaders we tolerate, those we excuse and defend even when they fall short. Accountability should be at the ballot and in our conversations. It should be in what we choose to accept and what we refuse to ignore.

Let’s be honest, wajinga waliisha Kenya. Kenyans are informed and they are paying very close attention. They can tell the difference between transparency and spin. Being in public office does not shield office bearers from questions, it is the very reason questions exist.

So perhaps it is time for a reset. Speak to citizens the way you would want to be spoken to. Prepare before you address them. Respect the intelligence of the people you serve.

And most importantly, wacheni kuona Wakenya kama kondoo. That is my memo.