Nearly five years after the disputed general elections of 2007, it seems that what led to the strife is still plaguing this nation. Tribalism and Class-ism. Kenya has 42+ tribes. We are a diverse nation and it is this diversity that should unite us, like the different fingers of the same hand. I stand as an agent of peace and this piece is about PEACE. We ought to work on the things that unify us.
PS: There is a Prince of Peace who gives peace that surpasses all understanding.
PEACE!!!
PEACE LOVE AND UNITY
“May
we dwell in unity,
Peace
and liberty…”
The
solemn prayer of our independence, our anthem. When this nation finally got
free from colonial oppression.
The
day when the flag soared high in colors, black for the people, red for the
blood shed in the struggle, green for the natural beauty of the land and white
for the peace.
When
every one, regardless of age, tribe, sex, gender, social, political class,
religion or education was one. The day we really were Kenyans.
United,
untied.
Divergent
cultures unified.
Then
the colonialist left and it seemed that we were only a people united by a
common enemy.
That
we would soon be divided.
Because
the Central province could not hold, things began to fall apart.
The
nation was developed, through PILOT projects, that systematically excluded the
poor because only the rich FLY.
The
politicians talk about making fundamental changes, yet they only fund your
mental during elections just so they can change your immediate conditions.
Their
5year plan for your 5year old reduced to a
500
shilling for your five hundred needs, then
5
years later, the PENTAGON returns when inflation is
Five
times higher and their 500 shillings is worthless compared to your
Over five hundred needs and those of your
10year old.
You
don’t need all five senses to realize that the strife is not only about lack of
units but also lack of unity…
Then
came 2007 when the revolution was televised. Images so scary you’d think the
book of revelation was being televised.
Hundreds
of thousands were displaced.
A
thousand plus were killed, either by the bullet or the blade,
Brother
against brother just because they came from another mother…
…tongue
was tied in muse of the bloodshed and hate.
Seemed
like the flag faltered in meaning; black was no longer for the people as it had
gray areas of tribe and class. The red was for the bloodshed, not for
independence but for tribal and political dominance. The green, wilted into a brown
and yellow from land grabbing and encroachment into forest land.
The
white became for peace. Not peace like harmony or
piece
like part of
but
peace like the police keep the common *click click* PEACE!
We
paid the price of disunity and ethnic intolerance with blood and we set up
ourselves again for the same when we re-group into tribes.
It
seems the 2007 reality check bounced. So now I pay you this time round with a
mic check, ONE too many things need to change.
Let’s
preach peace, our silence is killing the nation, country-cide.
Wanjiku
should not only be safe around people of her own tribe, in the country side.
We
need peace like a river to attend our way so that it can be well with our soul,
To
walk the talk that gives Kenya Hope, founded on Liberty and Power.
Power
to fight hunger and starvation to
Fight
poverty, corruption. The power to rise above the walls that disunite us.
Let’s
join hands because apart, we are fingers twitching. Together we are a fist, no
punch intended.
How
good and pleasant it is when brethren
“Dwell
in unity, peace and liberty.
Plenty
be found within our borders.”
