#InTheEyesOfMC: Chicken Waste and Blessings

The Role of Information, misinformation and disinformation in leadership and governance

Disclaimer: The rumblings expressed in this article are my own.

Welcome back. It has been close to 4 months since my last post as I focused on other responsibilities, including a just concluded one-month sabbatical leave due to personal reasons this past month.

Today's piece is an impromptu article based on the happenings in my country of birth and residency, Kenya. For those not aware, there have been demonstrations due to the financial budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year in the nation being led by a passionate group of Z-ellenials (Gen Z mainly and late Gen X). Here is a recap of the classification

Chapter 3: Chicken Waste and Blessings: The Role of Information, misinformation and disinformation in leadership and governance

The following is an excerpt from my in-progress leadership guidebook entitled (heading to be determined in due course), with an updated context for ease of relation. A few things to note before we proceed:

Why Chicken Waste? : In 2005, our Third President of Kenya was addressing the public on cattle rustling and stated this in his speech, “Kweli una maana gani duniani, kama wewe ni mwizi wa ng’ombe, Kweli una maana gani? Huna maana wewe, ni binadamu ya mafi ya Kuku.” (Of what use are you in this world if you only steal cows. You are of no use just like chicken waste) [article link: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/pumbavu-mavi-ya-kuku-hapanaa-what-the-hell-and-other-favourite-kibaki-words/#google_vignette ]

Why Blessings?: Flash forward to nine years later and our Current President addressed the nation without any salutations given the ongoing strikes in the nation. This was the first time it happened since I was born and many other Kenyans noted this anomaly. (You can recap with the news channels YouTube pages)

Now let's dive into the topic of the day...

Information is facts provided or learned about something or someone. Misinformation is false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is false information which is deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts.

In recent weeks, especially with the advent of numerous social media handles, we have seen a ton of information being shared to guide not only protestors but healthcare workers, business owners etc. Unfortunately, some of this information is inaccurate and in most instances of emergency, this is bound to happen due to man's innate physiology and the fight or flight response.

One example is this x-tweet on a reportedly deceased doctor, which was not true and took one day to verify with various health agencies

Okay, so I shouldn't say a thing now?

On the contrary in states of emergencies, information is needed because it can guide us on our next steps of action. However, a few things to note:

1. Mirror-Reflection Effect: I have shared this in another LinkedIn article (link) and the concept still holds. Remember your messages are not just talking about what you are doing but are telling people a narrative of you and how you can handle an emergency or a packed networking activity
2. What information is correct?: Those shared by verified organizational handles or experts in the field are a good place to start. However, some experts (like myself) do not have verified handles, but still share information and it is up to your wisdom and discernment to gauge the situation.
3. I want to trend: If you are headed to ground zero (a starting point or base for an activity), ensure you are there to offer essential services, not just to get content for your social media channels. You may also consider having a ghost social media channels not directly affiliated with you for your safety. The choice is yours.
4. I must be there (Fear of Missing Out): What are you missing? Is it worth missing? Does your body physic allow you to be there? Are you with a group of people you can trust? You cannot be alone at ground zero at this time. As the late Dr. Stephen Mogusu said, "Save yourselves".
5. Begin with the end in mind: Think long-term. I go for a conference or a strike, can I report on it later and what would I say that would not put me in any medicolegal or conflict of interest state? It's not just about the report of the post, but how that information can be used in future to avoid a repeat occurrence.
6. Recovery is a selfish process: At a personal level, are you ready for the best-case scenario? (going back to work or school?) and worst-case scenario (injuries, state of emergencies etc?). Before you head to the airport or the streets think of where you will rest and recuperate afterwards as rest is just as important as picketing or lobbying in conferences

That's all for now... For a more detailed piece, request via [email protected] or reach out on my WhatsApp Business line highlighted in my profile.