Philanthropist Mwenda Rutere has called on the electorates to shun electing leaders based on handouts, clanism and tribalism and to instead go for proven track record.
Mwenda, a son to the former secretary general of Njuri Ncheke Meru Council of elders and National chairman council of elders late Pharis Rutere, has shown indications of joining politics for long.
He spoke at St. John Methodist church, Kiirua in Meru during a fund drive for building a school administration block for St. John Academy Kiirua, where he donated Sh 1 million.
Mwenda advised the electorates to vote for leaders who have integrity, track record and good character.
He said some politicians in Meru have remained in their political positions for several years yet they don’t deliver because voters only consider handouts when casting votes.
“Time has come to amend the constitution to give members of the national assembly, the Senate and the county assembly a time limit just the way the presidency and governors have a two term limit of 10 years.Elected leaders should not serve for more than two terms. They can’t accomplish anything more which they were unable to do in two terms.”
“We want servant leadership not greedy leaders out to enrich themselves,” noted Mwenda.
The philanthropist called on the Meru county political class and the residents to give time to the new Meru governor Isaac Mutuma to work.
He noted that Meru county has lagged behind in development due to the political wrangles which were being witnessed there before.
“County operations and development in Meru almost came to standstill due to leadership crisis. We should not complain when things go wrong after electing unfit individuals. We are the problem. Let look for integrity, character and track record. Some have overstayed in the post and should resign to pave way for fresh blood. We should stop recycling leaders,” he said.
He called on residents to elect leaders out of servants leadership skills not people who are out to enrich themselves.
Mwenda regretted that Meru leaders are not highlighting the needs of their people at the national level.
He said elected leaders no longer go to the grassroots to listen to the problems of the people.
“Meru has been missing in national issues because leaders don’t represent peoples interests there. We want servant leadership and not greedy leaders out to enrich themselves. We don’t hear representation in parliament reflecting on peoples welfare. They are only self centred,” said Mwenda.
He urged elected leaders to consider donating part of their salaries to development projects noting they can comfortably live on the allowances.
