Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called upon the political class to be authentic for the country to grow socially and economically.

The former CJ spoke during the launch of a book titled, ‘101 Authentic Leadership Lessons,” by Dr Jackline Mosinya Nyaberi, at the Pan African hotel in Nairobi early this week.

In particular, he said, men should start by being authentic leaders in their families and start early to mentor their children to be the same.

“Mothers and children have been complaining that we have become absentee fathers and husbands. We need to change and start inspiring children from a young age,” he said.

He decried the rising cases of alcohol abuse among families and the youth, which he blamed on poor leadership in the country.  

The book, written by Dr Jackline Mosinya Nyaberi, a lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology’s School of Public Health, targets inspirational leaders, serving leaders and the young generation to form a battalion of authentic leadership in decision at personal level as well as in management.

“This book stands out as one of the recent publications with an authentic value system. Leaders must aspire to inspire. Authentic leadership is about honesty and Kenyan political leaders must first become honest,” said the Chief Justice Emeritus. 

Dr Mosinya Nyaberi is a fellow of the inaugural Kofi Annan Global Health Leader, Africa CDC, and the researcher is a World Health Organisation (WHO) Consultant on health and migration is, CEO of Capstone Leadership and Development as well as the Ayanna Health Foundation.

Speaking at the same event, Mount Kenya University (MKU) Pro-Chancellor, Dr Vincent Gaitho praised Dr Nyaberi for writing a book that seeks to challenge leaders and the Kenyan society which is riddled with corruption.

The varsity don criticized leaders in Africa for not focusing on challenges the continent is facing such as food insecurity.

“Why is Africa unable to feed itself? Our leader’s actions are a contradiction.  Leadership is not about power and wealth. It is about influencing and making another person achieve,” he said.

Saying that she was a friend of the author, Mwasi said she had not only read the new book but was already taking lessons which she would implement.        

In her remarks, the author said that she strongly believes that Authentic Leadership is the only hidden gem for changing the scenario in Africa for Africans with regard to leadership.

“We are increasingly interested in aspiring leaders, the young generation and other generations to come. Authenticity is all Kenya and Africa needs. We look forward to having a battalion of authentic leaders.  If I died without writing the 101 Authentic Leadership Lessons, I would be the most selfish person on earth” added Dr Nyaberi.