In the perpetual cycle of elections, citizens often find themselves entrusting power to individuals who promise vision, intelligence, and reasonability, only to witness their transformation into kleptomaniacs and dictators. This enigma begs the question: Why do such figures persistently ascend to the apex of leadership? 

Blaming leaders alone overlooks a fundamental truth - the root cause lies within society’s values and aspirations. Leadership, akin to a contest, crowns those who best epitomise prevailing societal ideals. Just as beauty standards vary across cultures, so too do the traits revered in leaders. Whether it be a beauty pageant or a political race, the victor mirrors the collective ethos of their constituency.

Analogous to the natural order, where the mightiest creature reigns supreme, the ascent to leadership often favours the most dominant figure. Yet, amidst grievances over corrupt leadership, citizens seldom reflect on their role in the selection process. Every leader elevated to prominence is akin to a tortoise atop a post placed there by the hands of the electorate, albeit sometimes through flawed electoral processes. 

But why do citizens rally behind candidates with dubious credentials? The answer lies in the shared aspiration for personal gain. Beneath the façade of ethical governance, lurks the tacit acceptance of corruption if it benefits individual interests. Tribal affiliations further complicate matters, as voters prioritise representation over integrity, foreseeing a share of the spoils of corruption.

However, disillusionment strikes when the promised largesse fails to materialise. Locked out from the proverbial table of corruption, citizens bemoan their exclusion, oblivious to their complicity in elevating leaders who reflect their own aspirations.

Consider the allegory of the chicken coop. A negligent owner introduces a mongoose and is astounded by vanishing fowl. It’s a predictable outcome; the mongoose preys on chickens. Similarly, entrusting kleptomaniacs with resources guarantees misappropriation. 

Recall the timeless tale of the scorpion and the frog. The scorpion’s sting is inevitable, regardless of the consequences. Similarly, the penchant for corruption among leaders is inherent, manifesting despite societal expectations to the contrary.

The refrain, “people get the leaders they deserve,” rings true. Citizens elect reflections of their aspirations, not necessarily their virtues. To demand better leadership necessitates introspection and a recalibration of societal values. 

In essence, leadership reflects the collective aspirations and values of a society. To break the cycle of corrupt leadership, citizens must embark on a journey of self-reflection. Only by fostering a collective ethos of integrity and accountability can society usher in a new era of ethical governance.

As citizens reflect on leadership woes, the onus lies on each of them to examine their values and aspirations. Only then can we escape the clutches of the paradoxical cycle and chart a course towards a brighter future. By Njora Waweru, The Standard

Athletics Kenya has announced the postponement of the All African Games national trials in honour of Kelvin Kiptum.

Athletics Kenya have announced the cancellation of the All-African Games national trials that were scheduled for this weekend in honour of the late Kelvin Kiptum.

The event was scheduled for February 16 and 17 at the Nyayo National Stadium and Athletics Kenya has noted that a different date for the event will be announced.

“Athletics Kenya wishes to inform all athletes and the entire athletics fraternity that the Trials for the African Games which were scheduled to take place on 16th and 17th February 2024 at The Nyayo National Stadium have been cancelled in honor of the late Kelvin Kiptum.

“The selection process for the team that represents the country at the African Games which will be held on 18th to 22nd March 2024 in Accra, Ghana, will be announced in due course,” the statement from AK read.

Meanwhile, the reigning London Marathon champion and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a road accident Sunday night outside the Rift Valley town of Eldoret. The accident happened around 11 p.m. East African Time.

The 24-year-old, who was driving a Toyota Premio, and his coach died at the scene of the crash, Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Peter Mulinge told Nation Sport. Mulinge added that a third occupant survived with serious injuries.

“He lost control, veered off the road, entered into a ditch 60 meters away, and hit a big tree,” Mulinge said.

Hakizimana, 36 was a former professional athlete from Rwanda who participated in different races from the 5,000 meter to the half marathon. By Abigael Wafula, Pulse Sports

Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster was looking for an explanation.

"The owner has not complied at all with municipal property standards, with bylaws and with provincial law, and enforcement has been impossible. We've had many communications with bylaw and we're told that because it's a diplomatic residence there's very little that can be done," said Crain.

"The chronic non-compliance has really interfered with our enjoyment of our home."

Enforcement 'complicated,' say heritage staff

The diplomatic residence had heritage protection, as do all homes in the Rockcliffe Park Heritage Conservation District. It was a Grade 2 property, which is considered less significant.

Lesley Collins, program manager for the city's heritage planning branch, said it can be challenging to deal with properties owned by foreign states. There are currently six diplomatic or foreign-owned properties on the city's heritage watch list of at-risk properties, including another building owned by the Uganda High Commission.

"The challenge with those is more about how complicated it can be to do enforcement and do work when we have to liaise through Global Affairs," Collins said.

"It's not that it's impossible, it's not that we can't work with people. It's just that there's additional steps that we need to take."

Neighbours seek conditions

Crain asked the built heritage committee to at least place conditions on any permit to build the proposed mansion on the site. She asked for a wider setback to push the new home back, toward where the high commission wants a pool, and for real brick on the exterior in place of the planned veneer.

She also urged more frequent inspection to make sure the high commission complies.

"Nobody would be happier than us if they built a high-quality, beautiful project that contributed to the heritage of our neighbourhood," she said. "But we have no trust that they will do that."

The committee voted for the application, but tacked on an amendment to push back the home. King and Troster also plan to bring forward more conditions before final approval.

"We're going to continue to work on that, to strengthen what is going to be brought to council," said King. CBC/Yahoo News