Without a doubt, a father is the soul of every family. A present father is the rock upon which his children stand and his love is eternal. Neurologist Sigmund Freud said that he cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.
As we celebrate Father’s Day, we are reminded of the starring role that fathers play in society. Most importantly, it is a day we recognize the sacrifices fathers and father figures have made for raising their kids and devotion to their families.
Here at MYDAWA, we specifically salute and honor fathers who have taken up this role with pride and dedication. This year we are doing it differently. We feature and honor four fathers who, despite their busy and demanding schedule are proud and above all present fathers.
David Muriithi, CEO of the Creative Enterprise Centre, a real estate practitioner and internationally acclaimed DJ (DJ D-Lite)
With pride David says, “Fatherhood is easily the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon a man”
The father of 3 adds that the one thing he likes about being a father is watching his children transform over the years into being their own persons. “Ït is a beautiful transformation to watch and experience,” he says.
David’s firstborn is 23 years old and a graduate with an associate degree in animation. His second-born is about to commence his final year as a student of music at a university in the UK. His last-born, a daughter, is completing her first year in high school.
What impact has fatherhood made in your life?
I was raised by a present father who always shared his principles of life. Above all, this molded the value systems that I live by today.
What do you struggle with most by being a father?
The thought that one day they will all leave the nest!
What legacy do you hope to leave with your children?
Leaving them a legacy of social-emotional intelligence. This involves them being able to recognize and manage feelings appropriately in themselves and their friendships/relationships, as well as understanding what other people are feeling.
Philip Wahome: Corporate Affairs Manager at MultiChoice Kenya
Philip is a father of 3 God-fearing children, two girls and one boy aged 10 years, 8 years and 10 months. Despite his busy schedule that involves traveling and stakeholders management, he still finds time to play his role as a father. As we celebrate Father’s Day, he says fatherhood means everything to him despite having fears that remain unseen.
What is one thing that you like about being a father?
I love playing with my kids. Moreover, they bring out the kid in me effortlessly.
What legacy do you hope to leave with your children?
I pray that my kids grow up to be independent-minded, respectful and additionally, sociable.
What impact has fatherhood made in your life?
I have learnt not to judge people and to let everyone be.
What do you struggle with most by being a father?
Not being able to support my family
Daniel Waitere: Head of the Corporate Communications Division at National Gender and Equality Commission
Waitere is a father of 3 and in his own words, he describes them as a young man turning 18 years and two assertive daughters. “I always knew and wanted to raise a family of my own. There is something divine about raising a family” he says.
“Being a father means a master class balancing act between my interests and those of my children. Similarly, it also means great sacrifice and foregoing priorities for the greater good of the children” he adds
What is one thing that you like about being a father?
The joy and gratification of receiving your own children from the delivery room and driving them home. Above all, nurturing and seeing them grow into independent young people is priceless.
What impact has fatherhood made in your life?
In African setup, the father is the head of the house, provider in chief, comforter in chief and hope giver. Children, therefore, give you a mirror reflection of yourself and help you contextualize your identity and your value system.
Equally important, being a father calls for courage, leadership and decisiveness. As a Christian, the Bible states that just as Christ is the head of the church so is a man in his house. Consequently, the default desk for accountability in the family is the father. It’s a responsibility that I bear with tremendous solemnity.
What legacy do you hope to leave with your children?
The legacy I wish to bequeath my children is that of self-reliance, self-initiative and hard work. Besides, I want my children to thrive in any sector by their sheer self-drive and to always present a high-value proposition of themselves. Lastly, I want my children to confront all forms of discrimination with resolute and unflinching determination.
Ewart Salins – Investment Banker-General Manager
Working in the investment sector in a senior position calls for a work-life balance and being present and Ewart Salins says it is a privilege and honor to be allowed to shape the lives of three souls whom he loves dearly. “I don’t take it for granted hearing my kids say daddy,” he says. “The fact that this child owes its existence to me is sometimes quite overwhelming,” Says Ewart
How would you describe fatherhood?
A privilege and honor to be given an opportunity to shape the lives of three souls whom you love.
What legacy do you hope to leave with your children?
Virtue. If I can leave them as virtuous people and be responsible citizens in the community, I will be happy. I was very clear right from the start that I am simply a vessel through which they are passing. The question is how will they come out? When they are “released” into this world, I want them to go out there and stand on their own two feet, but with virtue as their cornerstone.
What impact has fatherhood made in your life?
I’ve become more sensitive to children, especially little ones. I find myself blessing and praying for little children all the time. From a work and financial perspective, all my plans have revolved around them.
What do you struggle with most by being a father?
It can be tiring. Physically, mentally and emotionally. In fact, sometimes I joke with them that I’m an Uber driver for them. Consequently, this leads to another long discussion about the brokenness of our education system. Sometimes it can be overwhelming but thankfully as they have gotten older, they have become more independent. Therefore, this has given me a little more time to myself.
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