Those Who Badmouth Activists Deserve Mental Therapy

Activist Wanjeri Nderu. Photo Courtesy @Twitter.

Looking at how things unfold these days against activists in Kenya some of us may be forced to worry about the life of the progress we have made and how this can be secured and/or improved. 

The other day we heard of diatribe directed to anti-corruption activist Wanjeri Nderu, and which eventually culminated to blows. She was (allegedly) assaulted for speaking against corruption and pointing out the excesses of Kenya’s corrupt officials.

As I write this, she is nursing her wounds while the rest of us have all forgotten and moved on. This is what we have become thanks to our newfound think-for-yourself-philosophy.

A country that traces its development to activists' selflessness and benevolence of those who stand not for short-term (often individual-oriented) goals but for the public good should - ideally - be the first to defend these champions and to create a conducive environment for them to operate.

This fact - though a large segment of those wielding state power seem to deny - will eternally be inked in Kenya's history books. Kenya is where it is thanks to the resolve and efforts of activists. 

Indeed, one of the enduring legacies of activism in Kenya is our beautiful Constitution. 

Which makes one wonder: Why do we badmouth activists? Why do activists have to hide to express themselves or to escape the wrath of a hollow-minded mob? Who will stand for those who stand for others?

Does this tell of how we are? That we are a thankless lot that should be left to wander alone?

I think this cancer is two-faced. One, we have failed to internalise the true meaning of activism. Two, we are simply too cheap and crooked mass of people that rejoices in thoughtless expression of raw power.

Activism is built on the very understanding that for a coherent society to exist an "independent eye" must also exist. It is simple. Mistrust is part and parcel of unchecked governance. And to root out all its excesses, somebody - ideally all Kenyans - should raise an alarm whenever those entrusted with power veer off the path of good governance.

Mark you; this is not a contest between members of the public and the government. It is simply a citizen-powered system of checks and balances. It seeks to bolster state-funded ‘accountability institutions’ – namely, Parliament, the Judiciary, Constitutional Commissions and the coterie of Independent Offices clogging our public landscape.

Activism is pro-active consciousness per se. It is neither a profession nor a gift bandied around by a few individuals. All conscious people are activists. Any nation that claims to be democratic has no choice but to acknowledge that activism is indispensable. 

To boast of democratic credentials while maligning the good work of activists smacks of twisted morals. We must pronounce ourselves correctly.

Now, we hear some muscle-dependent morons dot our streets to strike a blow on the face of any activist that 'crosses their way or those of their paymasters.' This - they believe - is the price activists should pay for 'opening their mouths'. 

These miscreants are unapologetic in their dealings. Their resolve is reminiscent of that proverbial blind dinosaur - banking on its physical might - thought it could 'tame the mountain by simply knocking it down and hence creating a way through it.' It failed spectacularly.

Like the dinosaur, these morons will have themselves to blame. Their knockings will shake not the mountain. Activism will reign for all to enjoy its fruits.

No amount of kicks, slaps, blows, insults, and all manifestations of the corrupt shall silence the power of activism. Activism is an integral aspect of our polity. 

Those who dispute this truism deserve nothing else but a serious mental therapy!

Lemukol Ng'asike is an architect. Email:  lemoseh89@gmail.com.  Twitter:  @mlemukol.