Across the world, leaders have come and gone, having served their people and their times. Only a few great ones, however, have left a mark so deep that their names live on in memory and are carried through history for generations.
It is in this reason that the world remembers the impact of leaders like Alexander the Great of the ancient Greek and Heraclius of the Byzantine Empire for their unique qualities and achievements.
So are Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill for their courage and strategic leadership to steer the United States of America out of great challenges of their times.
In Africa, Nelson Mandela’s leadership stands as a towering example of pragmatic, magnanimous and selfless leadership. Closer home, Kenya too was blessed with a leader of equally exemplary content and character – Raila Odinga, fondly referred to as Baba.
Great leaders are known for their charisma, integrity, vision and insatiable hunger to serve the people. Baba was an embodiment of all these qualities.
The stellar legacy of Baba remains unmatched. From being the face of opposition politics and the people’s advocate to being the peacemaker and statesman, he stayed true to his own course.
It is common to find many individuals seeking and occupying positions in public offices, however only the exceptional few do demonstrate true leadership.
What separates the wheat from the chaff in leadership is how the individuals use the opportunity in service to the people. A true leader like Baba touched many lives and inspired many to serve humanity.
Baba’s leadership was dotted with great sacrifices for the sake of the country. He will be remembered for his struggles for multiparty democracy, equity in leadership, institutional reforms and championing for the rights of the minority and the marginalised in society. He has been selfless and a listening leader.
That is why in a country jinxed by tribal politics, his support transcended ethnic, religious and regional boundaries; from Lodwar to Lungalunga, from Mandera to Malaba, his influence reigned strong.
One of the former Prime Minister’s outstanding legacies is his support for constitutional changes, which birthed the current constitution in August 2010.
The constitution has entrenched some of the most transformative ideals that shaped the governance of Kenya. The most prominent being; fundamental rights and freedoms; the devolved system of government; strengthening of governance institutions; and the provisions of leadership and integrity as foundations of good governance.
Baba stayed ahead and above other politicians. He stood above individual and party interests to save the country from the precipice.
The most prominent event was the ‘Kibaki Tosha’ moment in 2002 when he shelved his ambitions to run for the top seat and sacrificed for the sake of the unity of the opposition, ending the Kenya African National Union rule. The movement gave birth to the best representative and most impactful government since independence.
Further, in the wake of the infamous post-election violence in 2007-08 following the disputed presidential election, Raila accepted the offer to form a coalition government with President Kibaki. This arrangement, often referred to as the 'nusu mkate' government, was a significant compromise in the interest of national peace and stability.
The other two occasions where Baba demonstrated the unique qualities of leadership and statesmanship was his rapprochements with Presidents Uhuru and Ruto in 2016 and 2024 respectively to restore stability and rescue the country from near collapse.
Kenya is bigger than the interests of an individual or party, he said. He strongly believed in a utilitarian approach that defends what is best for all Kenyans and the common good. It was these strong convictions that made him an exceptional leader.
In a world bedevilled by the death of transformative and ethical leaders, Raila remained a rare gem for the country and the continent. True to the words of the singer David Archuleta, "Without the darkness, we can't really appreciate the light."
It is a common human weakness to easily forget the contributions one makes in life. However, the void left by Baba is the darkness that should prompt every Kenyan to reflect on his immense contributions to the country and seek leaders who embody his qualities
His demise should also be a stubborn reminder to all persons in positions of power that Kenyans might not remember your names or positions, but they will never forget the great contributions you made to the people and country.
Mr Abdi is a lawyer and governance analyst. X: @inasaney. email: [email protected]
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