OF KALONZO'S GAFFE AND SOMALIS' LONELY CRY

A cursory analysis of any talk, discussion or debate in Kenya gives the impression of a people in perpetual verbal fights. Every news item is characterized by how one (or a coalition of) tribe(s) is accused of allegedly excluding another. Tribesmen thus become intimately wired to "hit back" at their perceived "enemies" to prove their love and readiness to "defend" their community.

But what disturbs most is the hypocrisy that accompanies these exchanges. We rejoice when "others" are hit and only expect the whole world to troop to our side when we are "attacked". The misconceptions and oversimplifications of "otherness" have thus led generations down blind alleys, looking for a “real defender" hence blocking individual's initiative to think and arrive at a reasonable decision. 

It has turned whole communities into robotic machines devoid of self-control and independent critical thinking. 

For the past three weeks Kenyan-Somalis have been rounded and locked up in various police stations in Nairobi and Mombasa. Majority of us Kenyans were (and are still) in agreement with this not because the government is fighting terrorism but for the simple reason that those targeted in the crackdown are not "us", they are "others". 

Any dissenting voice was either branded "tribalist" or "terrorism sympathizer" and quickly silenced. For once we became "nationalists" and discovered our civic duty of aiding the government in dealing a deadly blow to our "enemies".

This gave us a false impression that we are “united” and walking on a positive trajectory to achieving statehood. Yes, I believe a strong State can be the only cure to this tribal ailment. 

This is what social contract theorist Thomas Hobbes summarizes on the question of statehood vis-à-vis the role of individuals: "War… of every man against every man - that human nature provides three causes of quarrel: competition, diffidence (fear), and glory; the first, makes men invade for Gain; the  second, for Safety; and the third, for Reputation."

The three factors - Gain, Safety and Reputation - can only materialize in a state of mutual respect and civility. Which beggars the questions: is Kenya in a positive trajectory when blind tribal solidarity triumphs over reason? Is there any gain in pulling ourselves down? Has division ever developed Man? When did we stop holding individuals accountable for their actions?

It is imperative to remember that statehood is inherent and inseparable from man’s thoughts and actions. It is a fruit of man's own toil and participation. It is not donated by the government. It is nurtured, raised and protected by the people for their own good.

And you know, this comes with an obligation. Citizen participation must be grounded on fidelity to the law, not tribe. 

Discarding this tribal hypocrisy is therefore, the only surest way to wholesome and long-lasting development. Reprimanding others on the basis of their tribes (and not their actions) is our greatest obstacle to fruitful coexistence. For no one can claim to be devoid of tribalism if what he sees in the other is his tribe.

Former Vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka should be made to carry his own cross other than collectivizing the whole Kamba community in his "tribal slur".

Twitter: @mlemukol