single handedly spearheaded the planting of millions of trees.. I watched her on an interview last summer before she had any clue about winning the prize, and what struck me most is that with greatness, comes humility. Here is a woman/person who will arguably have the greatest impact on the history of Kenya if you think about it: the lifespan and role of trees in the ecology, society, economy of Kenya, and she doesnt even front ati vile she's a deputy.
You may sense my sudden, uncharactersitc sense of national pride today, but it shouldnt have to be snuck up on you. It should be more apparent, all day everyday..but incase u werent aware, I am PROUD to be KENYAN - and all the baggage that comes with it. Yes the social drama, the drunkardness, the poverty, the agony at airports, the protacted political disarray. But the good stuff too. Beautiful strong women, tusker, celebration and diversity of culture.
All this came at a price, and it would be unfair to decontextualize the freedoms we enjoy today. The fact that i can sit here, type away as i look at the flag in my living room, to have an IDENTITY. I felt i did not know enough about the struggle: the real struggle. I read a good snapshot piece that i think you should all take a look at. the 11000 (official number) of Kenyans that died in the struggle. It also struck me that the generation of land owners currently descend from the Collaborators of the Btitish settlers who were rewarded for their exposition of the Mau Mau guerillas. In micheal Moore's words - the people who give the most aalmost always lose out the most! Counteraacts the very reason for revolting in the first place.
Well, the General China's, Kimathis, bildad kaggia, Paul Ngei's, I salute you - Notice how i've left out the Tom Mboya's and Jomo Kenyatta's who played their part in the fight, but should get NO credit for 'nyakua'ing UHURU'. the article brought into the picture of the economics behind British protectorates, Meaning that the unprofitable colonies were costly and burdensome.
"Kenya, under a state of emergency, was clearly unprofitable."
I feel this state of emergency - the urgent cry for restitution of lands and control - is what we owe our freedoms to today. Colonies still exist today. i have spoken to puerto Ricans for example, and my surmise is national identity is one of the things most taken for granted.
So this Jamhuri Day - I take a bow - to all the unsung heroes of the struggle. All those never heard. We hear you. All those never seen. We see you through our freedom. Hopefully one day we can all look within ourselves to fight for something that we may never personally enjoy.
Happy jamhuri!!!
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