By Mohamud M. Abdi
Polonious in William Shakespeare’s the Hamlet advises his son Laertes thus: “Give thy thoughts no tongue, nor any unproportioned thought his act…” The father’s counsel to his son is stun indication of how that piece of flesh between the jaws should always be subordinate to the thoughts, lest it destroys relations.
True to the words of the holy scriptures, the tongue is the most lethal weapon that can ruin someone’s faith and cause monumental destructions in society. By the same token, if used appropriately, the tongue can be a tool of great service.
When that very organ is that of a leader, its impact is even bigger.
It is the observation of Sue Dathe-Douglas, author and expert in organizational design and leadership, that “leaders create a culture every time they open their mouths.” This underscores the enormous power of the tongue of anyone in position of authority.
According to developmental psychologist Katherine Kinzler, how you speak is a reflection of who you are and that speeches will greatly influence how others will see you. It is her advice that one should always guard what he or she says since it forms part of one’s identity. What we say, she opines, provides a window for others to see our characters and influence their reactions.
A leader’s tongue cannot be a loose organ that swings with the wind. Leaders are anchored by strong and heavy duties and responsibilities that come with the office. They should always be guided or guarded by values, principles and even laws and customs. One cannot excuse leaders for any utterances that may not show leadership and that don’t befit their status.
People use the power of the togue to communicate their ideologies, positions and biases over a subject. Whether in apartheid South Africa or the anti-black movements in the US or the freedom fighters in Colonial Africa, the tongue was a strong tool to drive the ideologies and influence people to a particular cause and actions.
Unfortunately in Kenya, it is not a surprise anymore to hear persons in leadership positions throwing unbefitting words in rallies, during live TV and radio debates and press conferences.
It makes one shudder to hear the raw bile, harsh polemics and angry vitriol poured while on high platforms. Apparently, such moments are not only meant to raise their particular concerns on a matter but to also to dispense leadership roles. The careless display of unpalatable actions and statements provide live lessons to the youth on the status of leaders in society. Unfortunately, it may be seen fashionable to find leaders using inciteful remarks, toxic rhetoric, awful jokes and unreasonable promises to hypnotise crowds while seeking position of leadership.
It should not be lost on us that conduct of leadership in the public office is heavily regulated and any utterances that incite, intimidate, harass, bully, and demean others are unethical and a breach of law.
The laws on responsibilities of state officers denote conduct as both utterance and actions. For instance, it is the guidance of the Constitution that leaders are obligated to demonstrate respect for the people; bring honour to the nation and dignity to office; and promote public confidence in the integrity of the office. Moreover, a public officer is required to avoid conduct that demeans his or her office.
Further, any words uttered by a leaders are evaluated against the position he or she holds. That is why it is imperative for leaders to always be mindful of what they say. An ethical leader is always inspiring and creates hope for the people. They are not excited by moments before cameras. Their strong hearts and heavy thoughts usually way down on their would be flippant tongues. They think through and take responsibility of the what they say. It is obnoxious for a person in authority to lie or mislead people on matters just for short-term convenience.
Every civilised society protects what is very dear to it. Societal norms and values are central identities of any community and should be reflected through the words and deeds of those in privileged positions. A society that doesn’t give the necessary attention to what the leaders say or buys every vile language wholesale will eventually sell itself to the dogs. Such society will have to leave with the products of such poignant rhetoric as the drivers of their affairs. (
— Writer is Lawyer and Governance Policy Analyst; msaney25@gmail.com; @inasaney
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