It is so unfortunate that the government cannot take care of its citizens in times when people are hurting and uncertain about what the next minute holds for them. It is even more unfortunate beyond any doubt that a Kenyan foreign PS talks so boldly against Kenyan majority abroad with such complacency as if they are outside agitators. That really demeans the “Kenyanness” in them. And history will be made this time round, that the Kenyan government when tested, failed the test of humanity. From the clip I watched few days ago, what Kenyans in China are passing through is monstrous, these are tough times, and what they need right now is not the “ do-it-yourself” vibe.
“what Kenyans in China are passing through is monstrous”
We know we are in the midst of a pandemic but the do-nothingness approach is not just old and tired, it’s a mockery to these folks! It’s adding an antbite to a freshly circumcised wound. Trust me there’s no feeling of ecstasy and pleasure in that kind of approach. I had hoped to see the spirit of “Tuko pamoja” (we are in this together) instead the screens blasted out loud and clear that, “you’re on your own.” In a 21st century this is probably the most disgusting thing that has ever happened to a democratic, anti-segregrationist society. In a briefing you (GoK) say, the Kenya airways isn’t a matatu to stop by at destinations picking scattered Kenyans around the globe- an unorthodox, lazy and lame excuse to me. And in another you tell Kenyans you are ready to ferry them from their, “agony-centred” places, where they’re maimed, tortured and are in anguished state, on their own means. Wow! I dread to imagine that you are still comfortable and complacent while issuing such statements.
I have agreed on every directive by the government ever since this pandemic befell the country and in as much as they’re playing the whack-a-mole game to contain this disease which in no doubt is a fantastic move, the wisdom on the decision of Kenyans abroad is outrightly ambiguous, blatant and foolish, and will make the patriotism of not just some of them, but all of us dwindle and probably vanish. Our days of civil war and segregation are stories of the past and now we need to focus on more important issues, and that is fixing the WE THE CITIZENS fast. Those are the words that our Constitution consistently mentions and I believe they aren’t owned by anyone, they are universal. So Mr President kindly fix this nation (if only I’m an exception of the many unheard voices.)
“the wisdom on the decision of Kenyans abroad is outrightly ambiguous, blatant and foolish”
This pandemic has not only denied us our legal constitutional rights, it has withheld our God given rights as well, the right to happiness. With its claws we have greatly been wounded, and with its federal beak we have immensely been damaged beyond repair. We never asked for any of this, but it engulfes all of us regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation or creed. The Heaven won’t forgive us if we neglect, as a matter of fact we need each other now more than ever. Government is capable of packaging an efficient stimulus for the weak, the vulnerable and poverty ridden folks as much as presidential campaigns fill the crowds with printed t shirts.
“With this tempestuous and unprecedented moments leaders need focus on the folks staring at starvation with both eyes”
In good faith, we have not once or twice praised Hon Joho for his unwavering efforts in the fight against covid19, well, that is what giving credit where it’s due, really means. And, not to add more arrows in his quiver, but Kenyan leaders need to emulate this human. With this tempestuous and unprecedented moments leaders need focus on the folks staring at starvation with both eyes whether or not in the city, not just out of charity doing but because its the fundamental obligation of a leader to its subjects. One of my good friends recently told me that, “being a Kenyan is a pre-existing condition” and amidst diseases like poverty, what in the earthly reason disqualifies his thought? This is the time for our leaders to answer the call of those abroad. It is government’s time to offer that help. And it’s definitely their time nod their heads towards my friend’s thought, or to decline that thought with deeds. It’s their time to respond to a senior citizen with no source of income. Lastly, it’s their time to save a Kenyan life battling with chronic illness in the midst of a pandemic. The methods which GoK uses will define our strength as a nation and our future generation. As we continue reading magazines, op-eds, watching movies and TV shows with great sturd to keep ourselves busy, lets maintain social distance, continue sanitising our hands and staying safe even in the forgotten corners of our land, because only then can we earn the trust of being “in this together.” God bless Kenya!
“being a Kenyan is a pre-existing condition”
otienojavies 