There've been heated debates on the tribalism issue, mooted and dissected on motley of forums. The internet (blogs & sites), newspapers, magazines, tabloids and pamphlets have helped potray the dynamics of this 'touchy' issue.
I've been following the goings-on with bated breath and each time I read or hear about tribalistic issues this question always screams for an answer: when will our people open their eyes and see that tribalism (tribalistic mindsets) 'helps' to sever the cords of national unity and harmony?
Having lived outside Kenya for sometime, I've seen Kenyans of different tribal origins working together as brothers and sisters, their tribalistic mindsets notwithstanding. I've seen, for instance, Kikuyus and Luos working in harmony and calling each other 'bro' or 'sis'. I've seen them doing things together, things they would not have attempted or a brotherliness that would never have materialised were it in Kenya.
This is a sorry state of affairs. Must we go out of the country to realise that tribalism should never be an issue and that we can work as brothers and sisters (AS KENYANS) even at home.
If we can live and work as brothers outside Kenya how much more in our homeland!!
Outside Kenya we call ourselves Kenyans, in Kenya we call ourselves 'Luos', 'Kikuyus', 'Kambas', Kalenjins'... the list is endless. What does someone in his right senses make of this? "HYPOCRISY!" You scream, and I pat you on the back and smilingly tell you, "You've hit the nail on the head."
We are hypocrites, God forgive us. We always want to be mollycoddled and told that we are on the right path. But in this matter we are wide of the mark.
Hello Kenyans. We are Kenyans whether Luo, Kikuyu, Nandi, Luhya, name it. We'll always be Kenyans. Let's behave, eat and live as Kenyans should. Let the strength of brotherhood be our bastion.
Let's elect people, not because they are Kikuyu, Luo, Kamba or any other tribe, but because they can steer us to the acme we aspire. The decisions we make today will go a long way in defining our lives and nationhood, whether rash or well-thought out! (This is especially so as we are in the run up to the election next year, 2007!)
Did I hear you smack your lips in dissatisfaction?
My plea: Let's treat each other as Kenyans. Treat fellow Kenyans as you would your beloved brother, sister, son or daughter: with love, respect and sincerity.
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