Between 2013-2017, Caleb Amaswache, was a a high profile person, serving as a Deputy Governor in Vihiga County, under the leadership of Moses Akaranga.
Those days, he would be escorted in a fleet of high end vehicles with tight security but now, you will find selling firewood for survival in Luanda town, a job that is undeserving for a person of his caliber.
Speaking to the media, Amaswache painted a picture of how his downfall came. Life took to turn for the worse when he left office in 2017, and a new administration took over.
He is now seeking help from president William Ruto to find a better job. He tried applying for IEBC Commissioner job but his application was unsuccessful.
“I need a job. I’m asking His Excellency William Ruto to consider those who were in government at one given time. We are all Kenyans and the President should take care of all of us,” he said and further shared his financial woes.
“I don’t have enough capital. I have a daughter who’s going to school and I need Ksh.200,000 for a start,” Amaswache said.
A section of Kenyans however don’t believe his story, some claiming that he is just avoiding the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission by posing as a firewood seller.
“How to escape EACC. These man is a billionaire,” one commented on social media.
Lessons To Pick from Amaswache’s grace to grass story
1.Always be wary of the future
It is evident that Amaswache was living the moment and did not worry about his future when he was in office. If he would have worried about what the future holds for him, he would have had a plan to ensure that he doesn’t end in the current situation
2. Financial security
Serving as a deputy governor is a lucrative position. During the period, Amaswache should have spend some of his salary in investing or savings so that when his time came to an end, he would have had something concrete to fall back on.
3. Power and wealth can come and go
Today, you might have all the wealth but the future is indeed unpredictable. Amaswache used to roll in high end vehicles but now he walks on foot.
“I didn’t see how as a deputy governor I can be walking on foot here. The county government of Vihiga is supposed to give me a vehicle,” he remarked.
4. Dust is constant
Amaswache says that he helped people get jobs while he was serving as Deputy Governor. The same people he helped don’t pick his calls, now that he is the one in need. Such a situation helps him distinguish between genuine friends and those that only used him to climb the ladder.
5. Don’t be arrogant when in power
When you are in in power, you should always respect other people because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
“My advice to leaders in power, don’t be arrogant. Respect the other leaders who have been in power. Today you could be in office, tomorrow you could not,” he advised.
6. People will only respect you when you have something to offer
Amaswache can attest to this.
“When you’re in power, everything looks flashy, everyone respects you, but when you are out of power, that’s when you discover the true reflection of things. People will not pick up your calls because they don’t need you,” he said.
7. Don’t be afraid of starting again, there is always a second chance
By opting to sell firewood, Amaswache is rebuilding his life again. The work is descent unlike opting to be a beggar or engaging in criminal activities.
All that mattersnow is hard work and determination.
