“I always feel like somebody’s watching me.”
Have you ever had your phone suddenly go “ZZZ”, overheat, or behave strangely during a call? Sometimes you even hear faint voices in the background. Those who have been in public leadership in Kenya know that these things are not uncommon.
I became a person of interest the moment I was elected National Treasurer of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA). Surveillance intensified even more in 2017 during the 100-day doctors’ strike, when I served at the national level of Kmpdu. When you challenge systems or speak truth to power, you quickly learn that the state has ways of paying attention.
How do you know you are being watched? Sometimes it is the unusual phone behaviour. Sometimes it is unfamiliar people appearing repeatedly in places you go. At other times it is the quiet realization that certain conversations are not as private as they seem.
During the 2017 KMPDU #LipaKamaTender doctors’ strike, we actually learned to laugh about it. When we suspected someone was listening in our phones, we would jokingly say:
“Hao watu hapo nyuma, endeni muambie Muraguri — Aluta Continua! The struggle continues until the CBA is fulfilled.” Dr Murangiri was the PS in charge of Health then.
Even today, as President of the Kenya Medical Association, the occasional phone interruption still happens. My outspoken position on health policy, particularly the Social Health Authority (SHA), probably keeps me on the radar. That is simply part of leadership in public life.
But here is the most important lesson I have learned.
I am among several gynaecologists, currently undertaking a leadership program with the University of Washington, facilitated locally by the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) under the coordination of Dr. Josephine Kibaru. The course is titled “Transforming Your Leadership and Managerial Skills.” Out of the nine modules in the program, the very first focuses on Integrity.
That is no coincidence.
Integrity is the cornerstone of leadership.
When you live and lead with integrity, you do not fear the spotlight. You do not fear scrutiny. In fact, sometimes when I imagine someone monitoring my activities, I joke to myself:
“Haven’t I already posted that on Facebook? Let me update it.”
When I was young, I always felt that one day I would have a role in holding governments accountable. Because of that, I made a deliberate decision early in life to avoid scandals, shortcuts, and compromises that could weaken my moral authority. I also participate in many activities of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). If you intend to question power, you must first discipline your own conduct.
I strive to remain on the right path so that when I speak, my voice carries credibility. I believe that has served me well.
Earlier today, while driving, the old Rockwell song “Somebody’s Watching Me” was playing.
It made me reflect on this journey and inspired this message.
This message is for the youth of Kenya who aspire to leadership.
Start with integrity. Guard your character. Walk the straight path early in life. Leadership attracts scrutiny — sometimes even surveillance. But if you have lived honourably, you will not be afraid.
Because when you have nothing to hide, even being watched becomes just another reminder that leadership carries responsibility.
That is today’s leadership lesson.
Dr Simon Kigondu is the President of Kenya Medical Association