What
Defines a Kenyan? By Watiri Mwangi
Former Safaricom CEO
Michael Joseph once gave a description of Kenyans that almost sparked another
Mau Mau rebellion. Writer and columnist
Sunny Bindra applies subtle humor to concur with Mike in his book the Peculiar Kenyan. When I decided to
consult Dr. Google, I could not find a suitable definition for the phrase ‘Kenyan’.
The definitions range from a country situated in the East African region to
diversity of culture to Uhuru Kenyatta all the way to the lineage of Barack Obama. Hell, someone even started a blog titled Peculiarly Kenyan. Let’s just say
Kenyan is global and ambiguous. A popular comedian once stated that you don’t
need an ID or all five senses to spot a Kenyan anywhere across the globe, their
habits speak for themselves.
So what really
defines a Kenyan, is it citizenship, marriage, association, birth or even the
peculiar habits? There are events and periods that bring out the best and worst
in Kenyans. The ICC cases are one of those international headlines Kenyans are
not proud of, so we plead sovereignty rather than sobriety. News of successful
Kenyans abroad is the hallmark of nation-wide discussions. When the international
media grants them another citizenship Kenyans claim ownership and throw
tantrums. Case in point is Lupita’s birthplace Mexico; maybe they had confused
her for a soap opera star. Kenyans also have
stereotypes that are difficult to demystify. Popular actor and rapper LL Cool J
once gave an acceptance speech stating ‘... run like skinny Kenyans,’ (whatever
gave him that idea, has he met us?)
Kenyans, I have to
admit have hit the international headlines for all the right and wrong reasons.
Hell, our engagement in the East African Coalition (EAC) of the willing has
been tumultuous because Kenyan’s are defined as money-hungry, corrupt and over
aggressive. So when Uganda was ranked top in the corruption index, Kenyans
wonder where they picked that trait from (Were we kicking corruption out of
Kenya into Uganda?). The Duke of Edinburg, Prince William was rumored to have
dated Kenyan socialite Jecca Craig (Yes, she beat kina Corazon to him). Many
would argue Jecca is white however; she is the daughter of Kenyan settler Ian
Craig who founded a rhino sanctuary and fostered efforts for establishing the
Lewa Conservancy. Very noble if you ask me, I bet she would have made Kenyans
more proud if she joined the English nobility. Former Miss Kenyan Susan Onyango
is half Russian half Kenyan, she is what people typically refer to as ‘pointie,’
this however, did not stop her from representing Kenya in the Miss World
completion. Nyambura Mwangi (STL) is a
Kenyan-Norwegan musician who has made Kenya proud. Her music has been used in
multiple platforms and films such as American Pie and the Eurovision contest.
Interesting that despite living in Norway from childhood Nyambura is more
acquainted with the ‘kiuk’ dialect than most native Kikuyus.
Marriage between
individuals Kenyans and individuals of different nationalities is not rare. So
does this make them any less Kenyan? I
guess once you go Kenyan, you never go back (just ask former US ambassador to
Kenya Michael Ranneberger). Many individuals have forsaken their nationality
and taken up Kenyan citizenship. Some of these individuals have undertaken
multiple initiatives to protect and sustain Kenya’s efforts in conservation and
development. They have even done more than most native Kenyans could do in
their lifetime. Kenyans have failed to recognize their own; an illusion that
you need global recognition first to win the admiration of your country men. Cane
Prize winners Binyavanga Wainaina and Okwiri Oduor, Stanely Kamau and Boniface
Mwangi are some of the victims of this ‘recognition-syndrome.’ Most Indians and
whites who have been born and raised in Kenya or even trace their lineage to
Kenya have an uphill task explaining the fact that they are Kenyan. They are
considered to be foreigners despite never claiming citizenship of any other
country comparatively, President Barrack Obama is considered more Kenyan.
However, they continue to integrate themselves and learn the local dialect,
some have even earned themselves names like ‘Kama’ and ‘Onyi.’
It is difficult to
define Kenyan considering its wealth and diversity in culture. Kenyans have
often complained about this diversity as an impediment for the definition of
Kenya’s unique culture (however I consider it a strength). We can paint ourselves
in the Kenyan flag, profess the national anthem, proudly support successful
Kenyans, parade ourselves in the national dress (if it still exists, there was
a quest for that a while back) and even shout proudly Kenyan. No one can revoke
this and above all our citizenship from us, yes I also plead sovereignty.
However, Kenyan is a verb not a noun. What you do as a Kenyan for Kenya whether
born or peculiarly otherwise is what matters.
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