Hereditary monarchy, as much as we detest it, is deeply rooted in humanity. Most families with any form of power—wealth, political, or religious—always aspire to sustain it through their generations.
It's always a pleasure and a sigh of relief when a family member demonstrates alacrity in carrying on the family's influence, although some families aren't lucky enough to ensure this.
In recent weeks, the President's second daughter has set social media ablaze with her benevolent events and series of high-profile meetings in the country and abroad.
Charlene Ruto is the third-born child in a family of two sons and five daughters. In the African political context, more pleasure is attached to a male successor, which is probably the reason her unique case has attracted much attention.
Given that the eldest son, Nick, a lawyer by training, has shown less interest while the pilot, George, the last-born son, seems keen on pursuing his career.
Most political families in the world, let alone Kenya, have the urge to ensure succession. In recent times, there has been the case of President George H W Bush, who had his son take over shortly after his retirement.
Barely a month ago, our opposition leader Raila Odinga's daughter, Winnie, came to focus on her quest to represent Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly.
In his book Life is What You Make It, Peter Buffett, son of the American billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett, reveals the myriad of challenges and privileges facing the children of established families.
Children from financially stable families have less motivation to engage in gainful ventures and always walk in the shadows of their family names, which dwarf their success.
Charlene is already facing an identity crisis courtesy of her father's name. No one wants to believe that she is her own person, pursuing her inner aspirations and ambitions.
However, it's only fair that we rise to the occasion and assess her on a personal basis without prejudice. Throughout history, it has been observed that hard times bring forth passionate leaders. This explains why Charlene is an exceptional leader, considering the family comforts she sacrifices in order to reach out to those in need.
The energy, passion and adroitness she exhibits in her engagements are indeed embedded in her own soul. There could not be any other reason to give in her case.
The Daystar University graduate in communication with a master's in business administration and currently working as director of PR and branding at the luxurious Weston Hotel, could not really offer herself to the tedious and mockery field of politics at the expense of settling for a lucrative and prestigious appointment unless it came from her heart of hearts.
Charlene, just like her father, is enormously endowed with charisma and courage that can't be matched by leaders of her age. Watching her speak gives the impression that she's got what it takes and is not a girl to back out of her public endeavours.
With the right political advisers, I have no limit in mind for how far Charlene can rise in her political life. We should therefore save our energy and admit her to Kenya's mucky field of politics.
Judge her intentions as a person and start considering her for leadership positions she chooses to focus her mind and time on. Otherwise, we will be in for a rude shock over her ambitions.
Good governance advocate. [email protected]
