…And so it came to pass
2008. Twas the year that redefined capitalism in a ruthless and unforgiving way with the collapse of the world’s financial infrastructure that caught folks around the world with their pants around the ankles. Twas the year that the venom and resentment of tribal, economic and power inequalities of years past in Kenya boiled out into the open – forcing Kenyans to stare down at the darkest and deepest corners of an abyss that no one dares go back to. Twas the year that Barrack Hussein Obama, a man of Kenyan descent, became the first black man to have his name engraved on the stationery at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – a day in history that not many people thought they’d ever see.
And so it came to pass.
What happened in Kenya at the beginning of the year was an opportunity to start a healing process for a society that has been ailing, and for a while, it seemed that we were heading in that direction. One year on, we sadly just confirmed that leadership in Kenya has become a by-word for impunity, self-preservation and the total disregard of what is good for the collective of the nation. I come from a family that I believe is truly Kenyan in its nature – having a make-up of mixed marriages and relationships that boasts and celebrates the true diversity of our Kenyan Culture. My son, nieces and nephews have an amazing opportunity to grow up around a cultural melting pot that is representative of over 8 tribes, languages and cultural differences.
Up until this year, we were never forced to question our own identity as Kenyans first, and we continued to celebrate our diversity of cultures. It was very sad to see our beloved country disintegrate into unspeakable chaos causing so much bloodshed – one could only have hope that what transpired from this was an opportunity to have a new type of society that celebrates our diversity better, that provides a better opportunity to all its citizens – regardless of tribal or ethnic affiliation, and an opportunity to build a new type of future together.
My verdict on how this opportunity was managed by our so called leaders and legislators – Disappointing and pathetic.
Here’s hoping 2009 will bear promise.
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