“You know these Luos...” is a statement I know
very well. Despite the fact that it hurts me to the core, when such a statement
is made with the sole motive of criticizing a group of Kenyans from the tribe
where the love of my life hails from, I still have to bear it as some people
continue to recklessly utter these tribalism inclined words all around me. I must
say, however, that many a people in Kenya are learning how to co-exist with
their brothers from another tribe. Even as this is the case, we cannot wholly
shut down our eyes and ears to those who are still deeply engraved in the
cocoons of tribalism; sadly, I have to interact with some of them and their
negative reaction towards people from other tribes takes me aback to think
about my boyfriend and other kind hearted people from the Lake region.
Many will say that I am biased towards where my ‘mister’ comes from, swearing by the ‘red bible’ will do no good, neither is biting a handful of soil make things better; the fact is simply that I am not biased, on whatever ground, towards any tribe, be it from the Lake Region or any other. If you are meeting him for the first time, you would probably think that he is a Swahili since his name ‘Badia’ (Swahili word for fake) says it all; however, his very dark complexion betrays him and creates a sweet confusion…mmh don’t they say that “The darker the berry…” anyway, I proudly tell my friends and others who care to listen, that my ‘mister’ man is from Lake Region.
Many will say that I am biased towards where my ‘mister’ comes from, swearing by the ‘red bible’ will do no good, neither is biting a handful of soil make things better; the fact is simply that I am not biased, on whatever ground, towards any tribe, be it from the Lake Region or any other. If you are meeting him for the first time, you would probably think that he is a Swahili since his name ‘Badia’ (Swahili word for fake) says it all; however, his very dark complexion betrays him and creates a sweet confusion…mmh don’t they say that “The darker the berry…” anyway, I proudly tell my friends and others who care to listen, that my ‘mister’ man is from Lake Region.
The
Desiderata has taught me humility in its true meaning and it is from it that I
will quote some words for your reference, “As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with
all persons...” Having been raised up in a Christian family, I very well
understand the act of forgiveness; however, I have grown up to appreciate the
importance of peace. As far as I am
concerned, peace entails understanding that I am neither perfect nor an island;
understanding that if I appreciate and love people, then I will live a good
life. Peace entails the revelation that we are different and born with strengths
and weaknesses; understanding that at any one point, I am a compliment of someone
else, their efforts, beliefs, lifestyle, and culture. I have appreciated that I
cannot live alone and succeed; rather, I clearly appreciate that I need people
around me, since united we soar unimaginable heights!
Dear
ones, our country is made up of 42 tribes for a reason; the reason which says
that we all exist to complement one another. Believe me when I say that Kenya
would be a very boring land without the Maasai culture marked by the Maasai
lesos, morans with red hair, spears, and cows; what a plainly
boring land it would be without the pictures of the Luo men fishing in
Lake Victoria and their women balancing heavy baskets full of fish as they take
them to the market…the list of the spectacular sights we see from various
tribe’s cultures is endless… I bet you agree with me that, indeed, this is a
beautiful country! I therefore, beseech thee, let us appreciate one another.
The differences exhibited by each individual, clan, tribe, are what make our
country to shine with beauty. Remember, one Meru may be hot tempered but
not all of them, just like one Kikuyu can be willing to give anything to
have money, but not all Kikuyus.
Happy
and peaceful 2015 to you!
An Article by Sarah Makena
Co-founder Ukabila Zi Society
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