Boldness Without Experience Is Still Immaturity

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Adapted from a Facebook reflection by Maina P Kiromo.

I watched in disbelief as Nyandarua Senator John Methu told the President to his face that he doesn't fear him. He thought he was showing bravery but it was a display of inexperience.

John Methu is just 31 years old and barely 3 years into top level politics. He is still learning although he is evidently not a good student. What he thinks is boldness is in reality, political immaturity.

Looking back I draw parallels with an infamous incident where a first time MP by the name Babu Owino referred to the then sitting President Uhuru Kenyatta as "Mtoto wa Umbwa". That was inexperience on full display.

Babu has amassed a little experience. He now has 8 years experience and a lot has changed. He can in fact be a good teacher to the inexperienced John Methu.

Seasoned MPs know that restraint is not a sign of weakness but wisdom. They know that disrespecting a President is not fashionable. You will never see veterans like James Orengo or Moses Wetangula hurling insults at the President no matter how sharp their differences may be. Experience has taught them how to hit hard with criticism without being disrespectful.

However I also blame the experienced leaders for not mentoring the young politicians. They have even failed in basic orientation of new Parliamentarians.

They should guide them on what to say and what not to say. What to wear and how to present themselves in public.

Even the way John Methu wears shaggy hair to parliament is testament to lack of orientation. He was denied this crucial guidance.

Unfortunately for John Methu, his political mentor is Rigathi Gachagua. The former DP is himself not experienced enough. He only has 7 years experience; 5years as an MP and 2 years as D.P. Forget his years as a civil servant, those are 2 very different fields.

Gachagua is not seasoned enough to guide Methu any better than Babu can do.

Maybe he should consider Kalonzo Musyoka who has over four decades of experience in politics and Public life.

Kalonzo speaks with measured authority and respect even in fierce opposition (I must hastily add that I am not his supporter).

It's true that being bold will earn you attention. But people can easily tell when you are bold without experience and all it takes is disrespect.

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