GREAT STAR

There is something about Edwin Sifuna's political style that I find particularly interesting. The man can attend a major political event, post one or two picture of himself on Facebook or X sometimes none at all, and disappear until the next engagement. You will rarely find him flooding your timeline with endless reminders, promotional posters or constant updates about an event for a week. Take today's Linda Mwananchi Movement NDC, for instance. He only posted pictures of delegates. Pictures of delegates are circulating online, but Sifuna himself is nowhere to be seen, at least not in the business of making himself the centre of attention. He appears comfortable letting the movement, its supporters and his organic army do the talking. Some people might dismiss these as insignificant social media habits, but I think they reveal an interesting dimension of political communication. Elements of low-visibility leadership of maybe we say servant leadership. A politician does not necessarily have to dominate every conversation to remain politically relevant. Sometimes, allowing supporters to carry the message creates a sense of ownership, authenticity and collective identity. The leader becomes the reference point, while the movement becomes the messenger. There is a difference between commanding attention and constantly demanding it. Ask some of his peers. Kiherehere can cost you. Sometimes, the general commands from the hill while the soldiers occupy the battlefield. And that's what the Sisi ni Sifuna Movement unstoppable. ©Ian Steve Original Write Up ✍🏾