Mombasa — Those leading any group should show a sense of cohesion to the public that they are addressing, so as to be "like a torch in darkness".

A good example is of a family where emotional, psychological and normal growth of children depends on the togetherness of the parents. Parents have to talk and tease out differences that come in between them. This is best done in private. Sometimes this might include other people, but it is not done in public. Leaders should have the psychological strength to carry others along with them; have a sense of belonging whereby each ethnicity is valued, thus creating a strong bond between the members and the society at large.

Yester years we lived in small tribal units, mainly for protection against enemies; mostly members of other tribes. Today the world is open. Kenya is one nation. We belong to one another. My allegiance is to Kenya not my tribe. My tribe is a fact but I do not have to be arrested by that only. The difference I see in other tribal affiliations is just a mater of me to go beyond my perceived prejudices and be a brother/sister to anybody. We are Kenyans open to others as well.

For leaders to go out and show off their hard stance against others without attempting to take others more as family and friends only dilutes the sense of unity and adds uncertainty. Broad based decisions do not mean every body has to be consulted but many people's positions must be acknowledged. There is no need to protect others at any expense. Allegations and accusations do not stand unless they are proven beyond doubt. Everyone is innocent until proved guilty by the court.

There should be lessening of sense of competition and especially unhealthy competition which opposes progress of this country.

If we want to pull Kenya together and to the heights we would like to be; we need to listen to one another fervently. We need to take other people's point of view with much regard i.e. their fears, hopes and aspirations without necessarily agreeing with everything but taking into account where people stand.