Nasa supporters celebrate the Supreme Court ruling invalidating
President Uhuru Kenyatta's reelection on September 1, 2017. PHOTO |
ONDARO OGEGA | NMG
Fellow Kenyans, we are at a turning point in the history of our
beloved nation. Whether we are happy with status quo or we want change,
we owe it to ourselves, our children and our children’s children to
tread with caution amid the legal and political issues is and division.
We must purpose to remember what peace there may be in status quo while holding onto what may come if we allow change.
For
what may have seemed peaceful may have been the calm before the storm
and what may look like attractive change may not bear the promise of the
advancement that we collectively seek.
Whichever side
of the divide we choose or fall in by tribal or political default, let
us make not haste in our jubilation or condemnation in our current
unsure footing.
As untenable as it may be, let us be on tolerable terms with one another without surrendering our divergent ideals.
As
we unapologetically flaunt our tyranny of numbers and tyranny of
brains, let us stay on the path of what is right, just, productive and
progressive for our future.
We must clearly and boldly
speak our truth; and listen to others, even the loud, annoying,
opposing, dishonest and ignorant; they too have their truth, or some
semblance of it.
May we avoid two-faced, dishonest and dishonest comrades hiding in our midst. They are vexations to our common good.
If
we spend precious time comparing ourselves with others, we too may
become egotistic and entitled; for always among us, there will be wiser
and moronic persons than ourselves.
Let us enjoy the
less-than-perfect achievements of our past even as we anticipate the
greater abundance that our future plans hold. May we remain steadfast in
our individual and collective contributions to a greater future,
whether beaten and humbled or elevated and boisterous they may seem at
this moment.
Our
contribution at this juncture whether right or wrong, selfish or
benevolent is a real game-changer in the dwindling or advancing fortunes
of our country, whichever way we see it. The enlightened among us will
exercise caution in our personal, tribal and business affairs; for ours
is a world full of wolves in sheep’s skin. Be that as it may, we mustn’t
let this blind us to what is right and virtuous.
Many
of our brethren thump their chests as they lavishly eat or miserably
starve in their quest for a greater Kenya. And everywhere we are
surrounded by self-acclaimed leaders. May we remain true to ourselves.
May we especially not feign the much-touted peace by agreeing to others
if it means bitterly denying ourselves and future generations.
Neither
should we be too critical of our diverse ethnicity. For in the face of
all our burdens and discontentment it is the one thing that is as sure
as our morning sunshine.
Let us take kindly the counsel
of our history; nurture the strength of spirit to become our fuelling
power in times like these. May we resist the urge to distress ourselves
with undesirable outcomes. Many of our fears are born of historical
hangovers and accumulated fatigue in the quest for good.
Let
us not tire in that quest. Beyond our tribal and political leanings, we
have got to be gentle with ourselves for we are all children of the
nation, one no less than the other. We all have a right to be here.
And
whether or not it shows, no doubt the universe continues to unfold for
good or bad. The decision that holds us back is which side of that
unfoldment we want to identify with.
...Adapted from Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata
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