PWANI NI KENYA

“O God of all creation, bless this land and nation. Justice be our shield and defender, may we dwell in unity, Peace and liberty. Plenty be found within our borders.”

These are the words of our national anthem. Going through this creative piece of all time, you come to realize the love, respect and dream the composers had for this great nation. The dream that Kenya will always be peaceful and one. Kenya has come a long way and being forty eight years old, so much has been achieved (that is if we compare her with other worst states in Africa).

We have faced very many challenges in the hands of our founding fathers. Some of which are detestable, to say the least. Landlessness, due to land grabbing, assassinations by the government in power, nepotism, tribalism and all other ‘isms’ we could ever have.

Did you know that there is a whole county (17,128.3 km²) in Kenya, whose land is being owned by only two individuals who do not even live there? The sad part is, all the residents are squatters in their ancestral land. Sometimes back, it was revealed that 89% of the board members in Kenya Ports Authority belonged to one ethnic community. This begs the question; don’t other communities have professionals who would be appointed equally in those positions? The strategy was to appoint one community in key ministries so as to ensure they seat in the various boards in our parastatals.

All these, and many other injustices bring about the formation of movements and gangs such as Mombasa Republican Council, with an aim of ‘liberating’ their people. I understand. What I don’t understand is whether secession is the solution. “Pwani si Kenya” amounts to treason.  Let us sought out legitimate issues legitimately and illegitimate ones appropriately. We all know “Pwani ni Kenya” and there are many coastal people who believe in this. No matter how loud the contrary voice might be, we all know the truth. I believe there are better ways to put across a point and be heard than calling for secession. It is unfortunate that the media, clearly familiar with what the country stands to lose, should they secede, gives them so much airtime. I thought the media should be neutral and also show the flipside of this whole issue. What is worrying is the new development that MRC is recruiting children in to the movement, issuing them with identity cards and administering an oath to them. Have we forgotten how many renown African leaders in Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Cote D’ivore, Chad and Burundi, used child soldiers in wars and the repercussions? Where are their mothers? I thought ‘uchungu wa mwana aujuaye ni mamaye.’ This is criminal.

This is not a failed state, and I strongly believe the government can do what is necessary to avert such a menace. The constitution allows or gives us freedom of expression. We can debate on issues as we find solutions. If anything, this is as a result of negligence by the successive governments we’ve had. Like I wrote in one of my previous articles, can Uhuru Kenyatta, who wants the country and the whole world to believe he is the people’s choice (the leader we’ve never had) engage his family in ensuring the Taita Taveta land is given back to the ‘real owners?’ Can President Mwai Kibaki invite the MRC leaders in the statehouse to feel the beauty and importance of being Kenyans as they discuss how to solve their problems once and for all? I know this can never happen due to some selfish interests that surround the presidency. No wonder one side of the government was quick to brand them ‘illegal.’ This is a jigger that only Kenyans (you and me) can unite and remove with the power of the vote.

Secession, in my opinion, is cowardice. They are running away fro the problem, instead of tackling them head on. This makes you earn the honour in the better end. We are reminded to never give up on our quest for a better life. MRC should understand, that the national government is not solely to blame for their backwardness. Why do they elect leaders to the National Assembly? These leaders have failed them in a big way. We have very vocal leaders like Chirau Ali Mwakwere alias Zipapa zipapa, Dan Mwazo, Najib Balala, and many others, who should be championing their development causes. Why are they silent on the issue? Or they have a hand in it? If not, there should be a complete overhaul. Mr. MRC chairman, vie for governorship and change the county. With this small task, the people can entrust you with a bigger one.

As I wind up to start a long road trip to Masaai Mara: how beautiful Kenya is, always remember, PWANI NI KENYA.