Drop in the ocean

In a country  where opulence, status and pedigree hold a great deal of significance, a few have elected exemplary modesty. A trend not so many would resonate with considering the norm. The wealthy class of Kenyans inhabit  expansive bungalows in some of the most sought after suburbs. They enjoy the convoys of a myriad of high end cars in the market with  24 hour security detail. Even the mundane middle class Kenyan is a prisoner of prestige always wanting the best apartments in relatively costly neighbourhoods. Most Kenyans would prefer buying high end SUVs given the chance and that explains why prados and range rovers are becoming increasingly common these days. The struggle to flaunt wealth and one's accomplishments has driven many into corruption and fight for supremacy. In fact most mheshimiwas prefer being identified by their titles for instance governor, senator, advocate, doctor so and so  among others in order to affirm their presence and authority. The top jobs in the land exhibit one's financial muscle, intellectual ability and who calls the shots. So when news broke out that the seat for governor of Central bank of Kenya needed to be filled, there wasn't much to anticipate other than a bevy of aspirants who had stellar academic records and unmatched experience. Over 21 seasoned candidates for the job but one was distinct in a unique way, Dr Ndungu Njoroge. He somewhat outpaced the other aspirants after thorough vetting and in the process revealed a great deal of information about his private life. His Alma mater University of Nairobi and Yale University, a Roman catholic by faith. He had worked with IMF for a significant time frame and therefore was very savvy in monetary matters, his first main task is to find a permanent solution to the weakening Kenyan shilling. But what's more enigmatic about him was his ability to shrug off all privileges that came with his job. He is a member of opus dei and according to their doctrine, leading a normal life is the path to sanctity and luxury is vanity. He was offered a lofty bungalow in Muthaiga where foreign consulates are located and prominent entities reside but he elected to live with members of his religious inclination in a Loresho apartment. He dismissed the three luxurious vehicles at his disposal and the security detail as well and moves around through means best known to himself. Mr Ndungu is single at 54 but was categorical that it was purely by choice despite pocketing a decent salary every month, he however recognises the role of marriage and family. He appeared to be risk averse and stated that he owned no asset in Kenya and had no intention of doing so in the near times. His money stays in the banks, he however admitted to changing that in future. But with such unpredictable personality one can only wonder what he'll do with the money, perhaps donate it. Whatever inspires him, be it religion, moral values or modesty he has demonstrated what most leaders can never do, totally devoid of the one weakness "greed."