My piece about Prof Laban Ayiro’s reflections during the second Archdiocese of Nairobi Teachers’ Day at St. Mary’s School, Msongari, has stirred an overwhelming tide of positive feedback. I wrote it as a personal reflection, a humble attempt to capture the rare kind of leadership that Prof. Ayiro exemplifies—rooted not in authority, but in authenticity.
Yet, the ripple effect has been far more widespread than I imagined. It has since been posted in various fora, shared in professional circles, forwarded across teaching networks, and more profoundly, it has spoken to the hearts of those who believe in education as a vehicle for values. What has touched me most deeply is how the story continues to draw people into meaningful conversations—about leadership, humility, shared spaces, and the purpose of education.
What stood out to me most in the flood of reactions was a message I received from a teacher friend. She is a proud Daystar alumna, and she reached out to me past midnight. Her voice on the phone was bubbling with excitement, and even through the call, I could feel her joy. She had just read my article—and she told me it was trending in the Daystar Old Students Facebook group. Her following words humbled me beyond measure. She said, “I’ve just forwarded your piece to the Vice Chancellor himself, and I told him I know you.”
I paused. The VC, Prof Ayiro himself. I had never imagined that the very person I was writing about would one day lay eyes on those words. I wasn’t writing to impress him. I was writing to honour what he represents. And here I was, being told by someone who had walked the halls of Daystar, sat in its lecture rooms, shared in its values, that my words had found their way to the heart of that very institution. That moment gladdened my heart. I have never felt so honoured and humbled at the same time.
Our conversation took a spiritual turn as she spoke about something I hadn’t known before. “At graduation,” she told me, “Daystar doesn’t just give certificates. Each graduate is handed a towel.” It’s part of a unique tradition known as the Order of the Towel. The symbolism behind it is rich and rooted in Scripture—specifically, in the account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. It is a bold gesture, a physical reminder that leadership is not about lording over others, but about serving them. That humility is not weakness, but the highest form of strength. That education is not about privilege, but responsibility.
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To be given a towel, rather than a trophy, is to be called to a life of service. It is to be told, “Now that you’ve been equipped, go and serve.” The act embodies Daystar’s philosophy: that values, not vanity, should define a graduate’s legacy. It’s not just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it—whether you carry others with you or leave them behind. Whether you lead from the front or walk beside those entrusted to your care.
That single detail—the towel—spoke volumes to me. It said more than any medal or plaque could ever say. It told of a university that takes character formation seriously. That teaches its students not only how to lead, but how to serve. That believes in producing graduates who are not just employable, but dependable. Who are not only competent, but compassionate. It is one thing to teach leadership in the classroom; it is another to live it in ritual, culture, and daily practice.
Daystar, from every account I have heard and read, is in its own league. It stands as a reminder that the measure of a great institution is not in its buildings or rankings, but in the kind of men and women it sends into the world. Daystar’s alumni carry more than just certificates; they carry towels. They carry a philosophy of life.
What sound education does is not to fill heads, but to shape hearts. It transforms individuals not only intellectually, but ethically. It invites its learners into a life of meaning, not just success. It creates leaders who understand that trust is better than control, that respect is stronger than fear, and that example is the best teacher of all. That’s what Prof. Ayiro models. That’s what Daystar nurtures.
As I reflect on the flood of messages, likes, reposts, and private calls, I know I will not be able to respond to each one personally. But to all who have read, shared, or resonated with my piece—thank you. You affirmed that stories still have power. That when we honour those who lead with grace, courage, and conviction, we give others permission to do the same.
To the teacher who called me in the dead of night, thank you. You reminded me that sometimes our words travel further than we know. You reminded me that one reflection can become many mirrors. That values, when shared, don’t just echo—they multiply.
May we all borrow a leaf. And if we’re lucky, a towel too.
By Ashford Gikunda
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County and serves as Dean of Studies.
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