Student Politics in the University taught me a great deal of lessons about Christianity and ballot leadership. I realized that ideals and ethics are important in politics as norms, but seldom effective as techniques. The successful politician is an artist. He is concerned with the nuances of public mood, approximation of operative motives, guesswork as to the tactics of his opponents and the back-breaking work of unifying his own side by compromise and concession. Whatever your ends, you must be clear-eyed and unsentimental in your labors and you must rest your power ultimately on a cohesive principle. This was my resolve in joining students’ politics in my junior year at Egerton University. Resting my conscience on the firm belief in servant leadership based upon the teaching of Jesus Christ; I set my campaign platform ready.
I shared my passion for politics with Christians and their wise words helped shape my perspective on the position of God in politics and success. “You may use crafty means to win the elections but what will you gain if it ends up bringing disgrace”, one respected spiritual brother remarked.
The church leadership allay
ed its fears to those affiliated and counseled us about our conduct during the campaigns. They said our conduct at the end of the exercise would determine the state of the church and our personal integrity.
I prayed and asked God to lead me. I was not going to declare my candidature if He wasn’t going to be with me. I declared my candidature with a clear conscience and promised to put character ahead of ambition. I campaigned promising to do my utmost in meeting the needs of students and assured them I will conduct myself in a manner they will be willing to accept me back.
Just like national politics in Kenya, University politics tend to be ethnically inclined. People congregate into tribal cocoons and nominate tribal chieftains to represent their interests. It was a delicate balance to keep as a Christian in politics.
Politics is a game of numbers, tact and resources, often laced with violence. With such extreme options, ones religious and moral persuasion is considerably challenged. It was not easy to run for an elective position as a Christian with a better percentage of the electorate either non-Christians or non-practicing Christians. One is always tempted to stoop low and engage in damaging political propaganda but character is more important than fame.
Election Day came
and we voted. I survived many threats but my faith was unshakable. Unfortunately, the results were not coming the way some wanted and the vote counting exercise was marred by violence following rigging allegations and the polls were nullified.
Two years later, in 2007, inspired by my experience I wanted to give a shot to national politics. I had a tough decision to make between quitting my Job at Compassion International Country office and running for politics. At the time I worked as a Child Survival Program Communication Assistant. I travelled the country capturing and articulating children needs to highlight their plight and bring international attention for intervention. I could not abandon these children for politics.
After a period of prayer, God led me to a young man we co-owned a fruit business. He was a humble man who asked me to partner with him in selling
fruits to the community. The community trusted us for our honesty and hard work. National elections were coming up in a few months and I asked him if he could run for an elective position as a councilor. A councilor represents a ward and works under the office of the City mayor. This young man had little hope because he felt politics belongs to the resourced and those from political dynasties.
I took him through the community, showed him the needs of the people. His identity with the needs enabled him catch the vision. I drafted his manifesto and came up with ten-point plan as our campaign pledges.
The church supported us with prayers and some members helped resource our campaigns. Today, Enoch Muviku is the Councilor of KMC ward in Mavoko Municipality serving a five year term that expires in 2012 when we shall have the next General Elections in Kenya. He is diligently serving the community.
Yes, politic
s is a dirty game but we can sanitize it. If Christians spoke with convincing authority, people may actually listen. I am glad that God has allowed me to live long enough to ignite passion among young people and develop them to be decision makers.
It all started with one act. Someone rescued the dreams I live today from the trash cans. He successfully rescued my life through a sponsorship with Compassion International and today I have a dream for my country.
You can rescue a dream too.
