Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede on Wednesday began his unity bid that brings together council of elders across Kenya.
Dr. Odede hosted Kikuyu Kiama Kia Ma Elders and Mijikenda Kaya Elders in Nairobi for two days in an event that saw them tour SHOFCO projects in Nairobi before having a joint dinner session that lasted for hours.
“When elders come together, peace is guaranteed. My dream is to unite all the elders from 43 tribes spread across Kenya.
“If these elders come together, there will be no ethnic conflicts during elections. Our elders are custodian of peace in our communities and we must bring them together, regardless of their tribe,” Dr. Odede said.
The SHOFCO founder said tribalism is a big challenge in Kenya and has slowed development and encouraged corruption because people do not share opportunities due to ethnic differences.
“We have always been one as Africans. Colonisers divided us, but it is now time to retrace our routes and culture as Africans.
“We are one people. Our tribes must not divide us. We should take pride of our cultures and traditions and build one Kenya, free of ethnic conflicts,” he stated.
Dr. Odede said he is happy to see elders from different communities coming together and sharing ideas on how to take Kenya forward.
“My heart is fulfilled when I see something like this happening. I am not a politician. My dream is to see one united Kenya.
“Already, I have engaged elders from Mount Kenya, the Lake side region and coastal region and I’m now on a mission to unite them,” he said.
The SHOFCO boss said he works with the elders across 35 counties where his organisation has rolled out development programs.
“The elders know the needs of the community and they are the best people to guide us on what to do because they have lived experience,” Dr. Odede said.
He also warned the elders not to be misused by politicians for political gains.
“You must be careful with politicians. Don’t sell your souls for small personal gains. As elders, you must be at the forefront to ensure that politicians keep their promises. You must make them accountable,” he stated.
On their part, the elders lauded Dr. Odede for bringing them together saying it has never been done before.
“As elders, we have always been used by politicians without any gain. We have now met the right person (Odede) whose interest is to help the community without expecting anything in return.
“What Dr. Odede has done is very unique and we commend him for that. We thank God for connecting us to him because he is a man who is ready to help the community, unlike our politicians who have used us since 1960s,” Kaya Elders Chairman Mwalimu Mwinyi said.
During the two days, the elders toured SHOFCO projects across different sites in Nairobi that include water distribution, education, gender services, and clinics.
“We have seen good schools and health clinics here in Nairobi. We are requesting Dr. Odede to bring the same services to us in the coastal region.
“We want to compete in terms of life changing services and not by fighting each other,” Mwinyi added.
The elders vowed to protect Dr. Odede and warned those who may want distract his development agenda to keep off.
“We have never seen a leader like him. He has brought development to our communities without asking us for votes. This is the leader we want. We will protect him, and work together to the end,” Mwalimu Mwinyi said.
Nyeri County Kiama Kia Ma Chairman Patron Njaramba Wanjii said what SHOFCO has done for the community has uplifted the lives of many people, especially children from vulnerable communities who can now access free and quality education.
“The greatest gift we can give to our children is education. It is the key to lifting up not only the individual but the entire community, unlocking doors to opportunities that benefit all.
“This is what SHOFCO is doing in Nairobi. We are also glad that it is sponsoring many students across Kenya who are studying in high schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,” Njaramba said.
Njaramba said Dr. Odede has been working behind the scenes and his work speaks for itself.
“Dr. Odede is a true leader. He does not show off, but his work can be seen. Soon, Kenya will know who is because we must let the world know the good work he is doing at the grassroots level,” Njaramba stated.
Dr. Odede has received international recognition for his community services that touch over five million Kenyans annually.
The SHOFCO boss has also received both local and international awards, including TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024, the 2023 TIME100 Impact Award Africa, Schwab Social Innovator of the Year 2022, and the East Africa Philanthropy Jury Award, among others.
