By Maada Rogers, Rome, Italy.
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, fondly known as KKY, is a name that stirs mixed emotions among Sierra Leoneans. Some regard him as a successful diplomat and intellectual, while others, like myself, see him as a man whose career has been more about optics than outcomes. KKY has presented himself as a savior for Sierra Leone, but his record reveals a pattern of self-interest, broken promises, and a lack of genuine commitment to the people and institutions he claims to serve.
KKY’s political journey is riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies. His foray into politics can be traced back to his late father, a paramount chief who contested against the late President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and lost. This political rivalry seems to have cast a long shadow over KKY’s relationship with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). During President Kabbah’s tenure, KKY was conspicuously absent, despite his influence in international circles. He neither lent his expertise nor showed solidarity with the party during critical moments. It was only when he harbored presidential ambitions that he attempted to reestablish ties with the SLPP, a move many saw as opportunistic and insincere.
KKY’s attempts to rejoin the SLPP were met with resistance, and rightly so. His sudden interest in the party appeared more self-serving than genuine. He sought to leverage the party’s platform for his own ambitions, disregarding the loyalty and sacrifices of those who had toiled to uphold the SLPP’s values. When his plans were thwarted, KKY’s animosity toward the party deepened, leading him to chart his own political path. This trajectory has been marked by a recurring theme: a man more interested in personal accolades than collective progress.
As an international diplomat, KKY undeniably had a platform to champion Sierra Leone’s interests. However, his tenure was not without controversy. One glaring example is the mismanagement of a significant energy project that could have transformed Sierra Leone’s energy sector. Instead of prioritizing the nation’s needs, KKY reportedly handed over the project to Nigerian interests, allegedly for personal gain. This decision not only betrayed Sierra Leoneans but also underscored his willingness to compromise national progress for self-serving deals.
Sierra Leoneans vividly remember when President Ernest Bai Koroma publicly stated that KKY was not responsible for bringing the BANKASOKA hydroelectric project to Sierra Leone. While KKY has often been credited with initiatives in the energy sector, it’s crucial to acknowledge the teams and institutions that worked tirelessly behind the scenes. KKY has a penchant for taking credit for collective efforts, perpetuating the image of a lone visionary while sidelining those who did the heavy lifting.
Beyond his professional shortcomings, KKY’s personality raises red flags. He exudes an air of superiority, often positioning himself as the sole custodian of knowledge and solutions. This attitude alienates colleagues and undermines collaboration. Sierra Leone needs leaders who inspire trust and unity, not individuals who thrive on division and self-promotion.
For the SLPP, KKY represents a dangerous gamble. His track record shows that he cannot be trusted to prioritize the party’s or the nation’s interests. He is a political chameleon, shifting allegiances and narratives to suit his ambitions. The SLPP must guard against granting him influence or power, as doing so would risk eroding the party’s credibility and values.
To First Lady Fatima Bio, I urge caution. KKY’s promises are often as hollow as they are grandiose. History is replete with examples of those who placed their faith in him, only to be met with disappointment. You have achieved so much as a First Lady; your legacy should be one of peace and fulfillment, not one marred by political machinations. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and steer clear of individuals who prioritize their agendas over collective progress.
Sierra Leone’s future depends on leaders who are doers, not talkers. KKY has proven time and again that he is more enamored with the limelight than with rolling up his sleeves to tackle the hard work of nation-building. His failures have disappointed a nation, and there is no reason to believe he will change. As we navigate the complexities of our political landscape, let us remember that actions speak louder than words. KKY’s actions have consistently fallen short, and Sierra Leone deserves better.
The SLPP and the nation at large must remain vigilant. Leadership is not about lofty speeches or international accolades; it is about tangible results, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people. KKY has had his chance to prove himself, and he has failed. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past by placing our trust in a man who has consistently put himself above the greater good.
Sierra Leone deserves leaders who are accountable, dependable, and driven by a genuine desire to uplift the nation. KKY is not that leader.
