ISBN - 9789966809407
In
Search of Leadership and Governance
Eight – voter PRINCIPLES for ELECTing TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERS
Allan
Bukusi
.
Abstract
This article discusses how citizens can
select competent leaders for good governance in their country. The article
explores the purpose, the selection and appointment of leaders as a divine
assignment. It explains that voters have an important seasonal opportunity to
vet leaders who will elevate the state of health, happiness and wealth in the
nation. Using contemporary leadership theory, history and scripture references,
the author explores the role of both leaders and voters in the search for good governance.
It suggests that the underlying objective of the electoral process should be to
enact transformative change in the life of a nation. The author challenges voters
to look beyond the exterior façade politicians camouflage themselves in during
election seasons. They should select leaders with proven leadership capability
using eight scriptural standards. The article suggests that the search for
leaders is a prodigious responsibility that should be approached with great
humility because the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of leadership and governance
on earth is God Himself!
Introduction
The quality of leadership and
governance determines the state of a nation and the happiness of its people.
Approximately 6 million elected officials serve in governments[1]
ruling over 8.3 billion people worldwide. In other words; each official directly
determines the quality of life of 1,400 people! Those numbers are too
significant to risk assigning leadership responsibility to a person who does
not understand its purpose and the principles of good governance. Inevitably
the search for leadership and governance is a search for transformative
leaders. Yet, every day, the election of a leader is casually taking place in villages, towns, teams, businesses, clubs,
churches and political parties without much thought to their significance to
the destiny of their membership. While leaders are needed in 17,000+, tribes
and ethnic communities on the globe[2],
the objects of good governance are drowned in deafening political debate, wars
and crippling poverty in too many nations around the world.
In Africa, the electoral season faces
multiple challenges including economic stress, voter manipulation and violence[3].
During these season thousands of (would be) leaders put themselves forward for
election on a promise of good governance. However, unhappy governance outcomes,
following election seasons, indicate that voters made poor choices of leaders.
These voters chose new leaders unaware of the direct relationship between the selection
of leaders and eventual governance outcomes.
Kenya’s democratic process sets an
election season that shapes the wellbeing of the people and its economic
destiny every five years. Nonetheless, every five years there emerge dramatic new
political views among generations (currently, Boomers, X, millennials, Y, Z and
ALPHA) causing conflict in electoral seasons[4].
But leadership is not about pitting one generation against another, as it is about
generations charting out a common destiny by entrusting leadership and
governance from one to a new team of leaders. During the political season, leaders
woo, wow and entice voters promising “change”. But change;
from what to what? That is a good
question to ask any would be leader? But while some leaders may have a clue of
what they plan to do, the more important question is how many voters know what
they NEED in order to effectively vet who to vote for? In this article we explore
this popularly desired “change” during election seasons as transformative change in the life of a nation; the advancement in
the state, the happiness and the wellbeing of the people should sit at the
heart of the electoral process for both leaders and voter alike.
Leadership and Governance
Scholars estimate that there are more than 350 different definitions of
leadership in academic and professional literature[5].
By the early 2000s, researchers had identified over 500 distinct definitions. Today, more than 1,000 published definitions or variations of leadership
exist in different disciplines[6].
Leadership is an expanding knowledge base. Leaders, therefore, must be
continuous learners, adapters, creators and innovators resolving new and
complex challenges as they arise in all areas of human endeavor. But this wide
range of definitions also implies that leadership means (many) different things
to different people in different contexts. The interpretation of “leadership”
to a rich man and the understanding of “leadership” to a hungry man are worlds
apart. Indeed, individuals often vote for one political leader for different
reasons therefore scattering, rather than consolidating, and compromising the validity
of voter leadership expectations and eventual governance outcomes. Meanwhile elected
leaders end up spending their time in office pacifying different voting blocs
rather than serving all the people in their constituency. A leader, as a father figure, cannot be
partisan in office. The leaders must represent and care for all the electorate
in their constituency. Such a leader must also be the voice of the voiceless in
the community. However, that said, in this paper we define leadership as, “the
collective, collaborative responsibility of both leaders and voters to ensure
good governance in a nation under God. Voters should always keep in mind that
they are voting for their own and the children’s (presently voiceless, but the
majority in the population,) future too. With this unified focus the selection
of leaders becomes a meaningful and purposeful exercise aimed at voting for leaders
with the capacity and heart to resolve short term problems and implement
transformative change. Governance, on the other hand, “is the system of rules, processes,
and institutions used to direct, control, and manage the affairs of a group,
organization, or country” [7].
Simply put it is. “the state of a nation” or “the state of health, happiness
and wealth of a people in nation”. If the nation is in a poor state, it is in a
poor state of governance. That too is the state of the people. Since leaders
oversee the state of the nation, they determine its destiny and the quality of
life in the nation. Governance is therefore the outcome of the initiative of a
nations leadership. One might say, the election of competent leaders leads to
sound leadership which guarantees good governance outcomes including health,
wealth, peace, security and economic progress enjoyed by all.
The origins
Leadership
and governance are vividly captured by the author of the book of Genesis. The
fact that the discussion is presented in the very first sentence of the very
first chapter, is an indication of its importance, priority, positioning and centrality
on Gods plan and agenda for man. The chapter begins with the words “In the
beginning God created…”. God declares Himself Creator - existing before the
beginning of creation. This is a practical descriptor of His Supremacy, Person,
Personality, Position, Authority, Power and Purposes over all of creation which
He completes in seven days to perfection. Then, in His wisdom, God says, “let us make man in our own image and let him
rule and take dominion of the earth… This incredulous, awesome, mind
boggling idea is born in the mind of God - to make man the ruler, governor,
leader, manager and steward the earth as regent! … "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in
number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the
birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the
ground.'" – Genesis 1:26-28. God gave man the authority and the power
to lead all creatures and resources in all the 195 nations on earth. In all of time,
since the beginning, no platoon of hippos, pride of lions, flock of birds or angels
have ever permanently risen up to reverse or overturn Gods commission to man. The
leadership role remains firmly in the hands of the son of man[8].
In other words; all leaders and governments are accountable to God for the state
of the earth. Though God delegated the role, He watches over leadership and
governance to do His Will on earth[9].
From God own account of the creation and purpose for man several realities come
to light for leaders and voters; 1) Leadership is a divine office, 2) Leadership
is an instrument in God’s hands to govern and direct the destiny of nations. 3)
Align yourself with Gods Will and you cannot fail, 4) Counter His purposes and
you cannot win, 5) God appoints leaders and causes governments to exist.
Eight principles for selecting transfomative leaders
During an election season followers have an opportunity to select a leader through the vote and must be very careful to seek the mind of God in the process. The following 8 scriptural criteria enable voters to choose transformative leaders.
1. Leaders
and rulers of all nation, at every level of government, are anointed and
appointed of God. God
himself intervenes in human affairs to bring his anointed and appointed to lead
and govern nations[10].
Even rebellious kings we find were appointed by God for his purposes[11].
He calls them his servants even if they do not acknowledge him[12].
Servants do the masters bidding. In all humility therefore voters are well advised
to seek the mind of God in matters of anointing and appointment. There is no
conflict between the anointed and appointed. The anointed are inducted into
training while appointed are accountable for their actions. However, anointed
leaders need to be careful not to stretch their own hand against those in
office lest they disgrace it and disgrace the appointing authority in the
process[13].
2. All
leaders are appointed for Gods purposes. Voters usually consider their own
purposes to guide their choice of a leader. However, whenever God has allowed
the purposes of men to reign the results are catastrophic. They lead to social ills
such as slave trade[14],
genocide and apartheid. The peoples will has its short comings – as in the case
of Jesus Vs Barabbas before Pilate, an innocent man was killed and a robber
voted free even though all the facts and actions of the two men were in the public
domain[15].
Gods purposes are not man’s ways. Even though it may seem sensible and right. Voters
are advised to seek the mind of God before casting their vote.
3.
Consider the times, take counsel with one another, exercise wisdom (not mere
hype) and do what is right. When
the nation was in a leadership crisis, quandary and abject confusion, the men
of Issachar sat down and took counsel of the times and considered the state of
the nation. They evaluated the situation and took counsel, instead of anointing
one of their own tribesmen, they selected the best person capable of resolving
their situation. Then they went and anointed David King[16].
Voters
need to think carefully through the need of the times, reflect on the reality
they are facing, take counsel from experts and consider who I best able to
resolve the plight of the nation. They may need to step out of nepotism and
tribalism and simple favoritism to rationally identify suitable leaders to take
office. Such leaders may be identified from the sidelines far away from the
national political stage[17].
4. He
has been with us all this time–
The disciples faced a challenge of replacing Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, to
bring their number back to twelve. Their deliberations quickly narrowed down to
the criterion that, “it must be one who has been with us all this time and seen
all that we have seen”[18].
That condition generated two uncontested names. So they prayed and asked God to
elect one. Before you cast your vote consider carefully, have these “leaders”
ben with us? Have they experienced what we have experienced? Do they know out
problems and challenges? or have they just popped out of nowhere with nice
words and a lot of money to confuse the electorate?
5.
Surely, God has gifted someone to do this job? … “and they chose Stephen among the
seven” … The selection of Stephen to manage the corporate affairs of the gospel
enterprise of the day was uncontested primarily for his talents gifting and
ability which were affirmed by the Spirit of God[19].
Voters need to do some vetting of candidates. God has assigned talents and
gifting to all men. Some to be prophets, teachers, administrators and specific
capabilities that are uncontestable in the public domain. Such men and women are
outstanding and top of their field. Such men and women will have already shown
professional and technical competence long before they are presented for office.
These will easily stand out against imposters. Voters should be careful NOT to
be beguiled by imposters and impressionists.
6. Do
not look on the outside, God sees the Heart; This
was a rebuke to no ordinary mortal. It was a rebuke to the mighty prophet
Samuel before whom people cringed. When God spoke these words to Samuel he had
been impressed by Eliab the Son of Jesse appearance and said to himself -surely
this is the one. To his redeeming credit, Samuel listened to God and asked Jesse,
“is there no one else?”. David, the youngest son of Jesse was not even in the
room[20].
David had not been invited to the party. If a prophet of God could miss the mark and
believe that which is pleasing to the eye, impressive in form, of impeccable
sculpture, commanding of attention and perhaps abundant in wealth is the
picture of a natural leader, how much more can well-meaning citizens be led to
think these qualities define a leader. Many modern leadership theories count
physical endowment, outstanding natural abilities and character traits such as
charisma and influence amongst the most important determinants of the selection
of a leader[21]. God
sees the heart. Often those with natural endowment feel entitled to leadership
and eventually look down with pride on others when they get into office. Those
who have a heart for the people serve the public with care and compassion attending
to their needs without remaining aloof[22].
External qualities are not evil, but they can be easily faked for a season.
This is why it is important to look for additional or deeper and affirmation of
a selected leader by seeking the mind of God in the voting box.
7.
Long suffering, trials and testing[23]. People who go through trials have a
tempered, measured and balanced perspective of life. They tend to be humble and
inclusive rather than arrogant and opinionated. These broken spirits have often been tried and tested through difficult
times. Many biblical leaders and the greatest leaders of all time have
patiently endured lasting hardship, annoyance, oppression or bad behavior
without complaint. You may recognize the long suffering in the biblical names
Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, David. Contemporary leaders include
Nelson Mandela[24], Jomo
Kenyatta, Wangari Maathai, Kwame Nkurumah, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, Mahatma
Ghandi, Abraham Lincoln. These great ones went through many years of long
suffering before their voices were acknowledged. There is a tendency for voters
to be dazzled by well-meaning, inexperienced untried, vengeful, vindictive
leaders. Their messaging is divisive, not tested, sensationalist, but not
realistic or practical[25].
These leaders appear perfect, but often
they have selfish interests and seek their own glory and not the good of the
people. Voters can apply the test of “long-suffering” on such leaders and
eliminate them for their lack of credibility, competence and capability to
carry the heavy burdens of the people in the office of leadership.
8.
Love; leaders give of themselves
sacrificially. The most famous verse in the scriptures , “For God so loved
the world that he gave his only son; that whoever believes in him shall have
eternal life”[26]. This verse
explains the love God has for His people; that they may have eternal life - to
the extent that He gave (past tense) his son. One of the criteria voters may
ask about leaders is, how much have they given (up) or sacrificed to take up
leadership. How much passion and love for the people do they that they are
willing to secure the interests of the people at all cost? There is a story of a
poor widow who gave all she had while others gave out of their abundance[27].
That story is a testament of her passion for the things of God. God giving his only
son to secure those who accept him for a life in eternity, is a testament of
his passion for people. With a little homework, voters should be able to tell
which leaders have the passion to serve the interests of the people. The love
should be self-evident in other words; voters should be able to taste the
“proof in the pudding” of the promises political leaders make before they get
into office.
Conclusion
Desirable outcomes of leadership and
governance include good governance, happiness, health, advancement, prosperity,
transformative change, redemption and salvation. Contrary outcomes include
oppression, poverty, destruction, corruption, civil strife and economic regression.
Nations need to make a significant sober investment in civic education and
voter empowerment for the electorate to appreciate the power of their vote to
select transformative leaders and change future governance outcomes. Casting a
carefully and prayerfully positioned vote is a personal prayer, social
responsibility and a plea to God to bring about transformative change in a nation.
©Allan Bukusi, July 2026
[2]
Joshua Project
[4] Israel
Rebels Against Rehoboam 1 Kings 12 NIV -
[5]
Warren Bennis & Burt Nanus ; Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge
[7]
International Center for Governance
[8]
Matthew 28:19
[9] Isaiah
46:10-11
[10] Jeremiah
1:10
[11]
Pharaoh King of Egypt Romans 9:17
[12]
Cyrus; Isaiah 45:1-4, Nebuchadnezzar; (Jeremiah 25:9, 27:6, and 43:10)
[13] 1
Samuel 24:3–7.
[14]
The Scramble for Africa
[15] Matthew
27:15-26 RSV - Barabbas or Jesus?
[16] 1
Chronicles 12:32
[17]
Gideon; Judges 6-8
[18]
Acts 1:12-26
[19]
Act 1;1-7
[20]
Eliab Son of Jesse - 1 Samuel 16:6
[21]
Northouse, Leadership, 2016
[22]
Mother Teresa
[23]
Galatians 5:22
[24]
Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela
[25]
Absalom; (2 Samuel 13:13-37 -15:12)
[26]
John 3:16
[27] Luke
21:1-4 NKJV - The Widow's Two Mites -
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