This evening at Weston Hotel, Nairobi, I had the honour of joining my sister Dr. Ruth M’Mbwaya Agesa, distinguished scholars, authors and leaders for the launch of her book, Soundtracks of Power.
In my remarks, I congratulated Dr. Ruth for choosing to write rather than merely complain. As a daughter of Vihiga, she has reminded us that our people have stories, ideas and experiences that deserve to be documented and heard.
The book carries a powerful message: He who controls the story controls the people.
Indeed, power has a soundtrack.
It is heard through political rallies, campaign songs, media narratives and the voices that shape what society believes.
The important question is:
Who controls the soundtrack? Who decides what the people hear, believe and remember?
For me, as someone seeking the mandate to serve the people of Vihiga, the answer is clear;
I want us to create a new soundtrack for Vihiga - one of hope, unity, dignity, opportunity and development.
A Vihiga where our youth are known for innovation, talent and enterprise; where our women are empowered; where leadership listens to the people and where success is measured by the transformation we bring to people's lives.
I also emphasized that Vihiga's intellectual and cultural wealth is one of our greatest assets. Our scholars, writers, researchers, artists, musicians, historians and storytellers must be supported to turn knowledge into opportunity and development.
Ideas must move - from books to policy, from research to enterprise, from culture to opportunity and from knowledge to development.
Congratulations Dr. Ruth Agesa on this important achievement.
May God bless your pen, your book and the work of your hands.
Let us continue composing a better soundtrack for Vihiga.
#TheNewWayForward