KCSE Sample Essay from "Father of Nations

Essay Question:

 Because of the incompetent leaders they elect, Africans continue to suffer." Using illustrations from Paul B. Vitta’s Father of Nations, write an essay to show the truth of this statement.

 Sample Essay Answer:

In Father of Nations, Paul B. Vitta presents a continent riddled with poverty, war, and underdevelopment. A key theme that emerges is the failure of leadership. The novel demonstrates that incompetent and selfish leaders have been the primary reason why many Africans continue to suffer, even after independence.

One example is the General, a ruler who takes power through a coup but ends up being no different from those he overthrew. Instead of serving the people, he enriches himself, silences opposition, and ignores the cries of ordinary citizens. His actions show the consequences of electing or tolerating leaders who do not have the interest of the people at heart.

Another character that shows failed leadership is Comrade Melusi, a representative from a southern African country. He blindly follows party loyalty and defends oppressive systems in the name of unity. His presence in the intellectual forum is more about political representation than real solutions. This reflects many African leaders who cling to outdated ideologies instead of addressing real issues like hunger, unemployment, and poor healthcare.

Additionally, Professor, who represents the intellectual elite, does little to challenge bad leadership. Instead, he gets comfortable in a system that rewards silence and obedience. This portrays how even educated Africans, who should bring change, often join corrupt systems and forget their moral duty.

The situation in the novel mirrors real-life Africa, where many citizens vote based on tribalism, handouts, or propaganda. Once in power, such leaders suppress media freedom, misuse public funds, and ignore critical services like education and health. As a result, citizens continue to live in poverty and fear.

In conclusion, Father of Nations is a strong warning about the cost of incompetent leadership. The suffering of African people is not accidental; it is a direct result of poor decisions made during elections and failure to hold leaders accountable. The novel encourages readers to demand better and take responsibility for their future.

 Tips for KCSE Candidates:

Always begin with a clear introduction and thesis statement.

Support each point with examples from the text.

Use clear topic sentences and link your paragraphs well.

Conclude by restating your main argument.