Eno addresses leadership challenges in his 'Vertical Articulation’ poems

Typical of Prof Mohamed Eno’s poetry works, Vertical Articulation, is divided into six parts each with a distinctive topic.

The poems are written in his usual artistic language and touch on contemporary issues in a unique way, underlining the challenges facing our society and suggesting mitigation measures.

As characteristic in his writings, Prof Eno extensively uses satire and humour through his careful choice and use of words to discuss very extensive and topical leadership, democracy and development issues that many societies are grappling with currently.

The overall title, Vertical Articulation for instance and other sub titles in the book, are written that easily draws the interest of the reader easily.

Through this collection of poems, Prof Eno challenges leaders to provide direction on morality, culture, ethnicity and corruption in their efforts to steer development.

These vices, he says, have contributed hugely to the current challenges society is facing.

The issue of morality is very relevant to the Kenyan society especially at this period where most of our youth resort to illicit brews, drugs and crime, largely because of moral decadence.

Ethnicity and corruption, which are prevalent in Kenya nation, are some of the vices that our society must fight strongly for a better future of the country.

But are our leaders providing the moral mirror expected of them?

NATIONHOOD AND PATRIOTISM

The importance of nationhood and patriotism as values that are critical in development is well captured by Prof Eno.

He castigates people in society who sit on the fence and criticise every other thing without offering any alternative suggestion.

The writer advises that it is better to share ideas, offer suggestions however weird they are than sit back and criticise others or leave it to some few individuals to offer solutions to all the problems facing the society.

This is a very valid observation especially in the Kenyan case where most academics and professionals have been accused of sitting on the fence as the country grapples with several challenges.

The poet effectively employs a number of stylistic devices to drive his message home.

Notably, he uses imagery, symbolism and satire to point out the weaknesses in society and point out possible solutions.

The poet also uses different types of poetic devices in terms of structure and content.

This is very crucial to the reader in that it kills the monotony and creates interest.

The poet uses the narration approach in the poem ‘Once-Upon Good Old Days.’

The poet reflects with nostalgic memories of the once beautiful city in terms of culture.

There is hope in restoring lost glory for the benefit of the future generations.

HISTORICAL INFLUENCES

Dr Godwin Siundu, a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Literature observes: “The poetry in Vertical Articulation draws on a wide variety of historical influences and current realities, both as thematic concerns and as sources of the artistic imagery that establish the necessary bonds of familiarity between the poet and his African and worldwide audiences.”

In part one, which is the overall title of the collection, the writer captures the social and political aspects of society, hitting out at individuals who spend most of their time criticising those who come up with alternative solutions to problems while accusing them of not having “encountered colonialism”.

This is typical in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan, where those in authority do not want to listen to others including considering vacating leadership positions even if they are unpopular simply because they led their countries in fighting for self-rule thus have the monopoly to lead because others did not participate in the independence struggle.

In Kenya, this is seen mostly at the political parties’ level, where founder members rarely want to democratise their parties for fear that new comers will wrestle leadership from them.

These are individuals who see or hear no good from others.

EVILS IN SOCIETY

The poet challenges the critics noting that there are many more evils in society such as corruption that require attention.

In the poem ‘The Proclamation’ he satirises the evils in society that results from poor leadership.

He advocates for sobriety in leadership for a stable and democratic society.

In ‘Devalued Wisdom’, the poet cautions leaders against turning a blind eye to wise counsel, noting that leaders loose nothing when they listen to advice and when they foster a spirit of dialogue.

The failure by society to guide the youth morally together with rampant ethnicity have been highlighted as some of the major hindrances to the development of most African countries.

In part three, the poet outlines the importance of safeguarding the youth as a key to development.

In the poems ‘The Rotten Apples of Amsterdam’ and ‘The Concubine in the Cabinet’, Prof Eno uses symbolism to further discuss the issue of morality in society.

While pointing out the rot in society, he clearly indicates that this is not just a problem in the African continent alone but a universal one and therefore needs collective attention.

Part five and six highlight the effects of alienation and morality in the African society.