Last week, residents of Narok experienced double suicide by two brothers who agreed to commit the act after their father reconciled with their step mother whom he had been estranged with for the last 44 years. The brothers died by suicide in the same tree branch by river a few meters from their home, the deaths coming two days after they had buried their step brother in the same family land. It was reported that the brothers had issued threats for taking their own lives but the matter was not taken seriously before, only that last week, they actualized their threats. Police have reported that the two had destroyed part of the family property as they fled and that they had past criminal records and committed criminal acts in the neighbourhood. Condolences to the family and the residents. The tragedy should be a wake-up call to the youths and Kenyans in general to learn, put action, nurture and grow their own wealth even as they wait to inherit their parents and relatives.
In the book called “The Richest man in Babylon” by George Clason, he recounts of a case where Arkad, the richest man in Babylon ordered his son, Nomasir, that even though he was his rightful heir, he had to prove that he was ready to wisely handle the inheritance that would be passed to him. Arkad gave his son a test, that he goes out to the world, far away from the father, and show his ability to acquire and keep gold and to make himself respected among men. To start off the young man, Arkad gave him two things. The first one was a bag of gold and to which he informed him that if he used the bag of gold well and wisely, it will provide a basis for future success. Secondly, he gave him a clay tablet wherein were carved five laws of gold and informed him that if he interpreted them in his acts, they shall bring lots of competence and security in life and in investments.
Essentially Arkad gave Nomasir two key things – some seed capital which can be available in modern Kenya from various government and private sector initiatives; and the second one is the prevailing education including financial and investment education which is available even online from which youths can benefit from and accelerate their investment decisions. Nomasir indeed returned after ten years in which time he had doubled his earnings and hence the father was happy to hand over his estate to him, we need young people to earn inheritance of their fathers rightfully not by victim mentality. Dr Giti is an urban management, public – private partnerships (PPP) and environment specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com , @danielgiti
Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti 