Let One And All Arise!
“It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen”
While a good man and a good citizen overlap in virtues, more is needed for a man to be a good citizen. Virtues are a necessity in society, and they are the fuel in which a society makes its decisions. Values could be embedded in institutions, countries, individuals, or societal groups.
Looking at the story of Malala, we see a determined girl who was not deterred by circumstances and chose to advocate for education for her and other girls. Malala was born a teacher, and her value for education started at an early age. She chose to speak out about the rights to education when the Taliban in Pakistan was clearly a threat. Her unwavering spirit has now borne fruits through the Malala Fund geared towards education.
Mahatma Gandhi is also a renowned legend who firmly held his beliefs of equality and peaceful negotiations. Gandhi was so disciplined that he still chose peaceful civil action even after being imprisoned for his advocacy. He relentlessly led the passive resistance to Great Britain until the leaders decided to incorporate his ideas. Gandhi died an honorable man, faithful to his country and convicted of his values.
Analogous to Mahatma Gandhi was Martin Luther King, who fought racism in the USA, advocating for justice and equality. His "I have a dream" campaigns were geared towards changing the perception that black people are supposed to be slaves. Considering that we are still fighting racism in 2020, you can imagine the kind of backlash he received in the early 1950s and 1960s. He won a Nobel Prize for peace, and his work founded the Civil Movements Against Racism in America.
Our very own Dedan Kimathi is an excellent example of true values towards decent human life. Dedan Kimathi is known for his leadership in the Mau Mau rebellion, whose goal was to end Kenya's colonialism. Dedan Kimathi started as a political leader and teacher before realizing the inhumane handling of African people by the British. That is when he resorted to join the Mau Mau and later become its best leader. He was a dedicated Kenyan who sought all ways to survive while strategizing ways to get rid of the colonizers. His dedication will always be appreciated as a driver to change.
The above warriors are just but examples of dedicated people in making society a better place. Their work has directly or indirectly resulted in the better lives we live today. While many unsung heroes are doing great work worldwide and in Kenya, their efforts will be in vain if we do not uphold their hard work. Increasing terrorism would erase the good work of Martin Luther King, and going back to the chains of colonization would let down the Mau Mau rebellion and its leaders. The distinct values of these men and women make them heroes and agents of change in our society.
Despite the development steps we have taken in Kenya, we are slowly captivating ourselves in corruption chains. Our constitution explicitly states that one of the guiding principles of leadership is “objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favoritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices.” Even so, we shamelessly settle for corrupt leaders, decisions, and mindsets in our everyday life.
We are failing to uphold the values we all agreed to pay homage to. Gradually, we are eating away our democracy and accepting corrupt ways of our moral compass. Instead of proudly speaking up, standing out, and embracing our truths, we are clinging to a flawed ethical system to be our legacy. We have negated our roles as citizens to anyone who cares to do whatever they please. Why are we condoning the idea of slavery in our own land?
We all need to re-evaluate our attitudes and remember to own our country, democracy, and ethical grounds. It is only by acknowledging our space, rights, and democracy that we can change the narrative of governance and leadership in Kenya. It is time we wear our Kenyan bands with honor and depth that is based on our constitution, flag, and national anthem. It is time to own our values on integrity. It is time we own being KENYANS!
The Youth Café is passionate about governance and inclusion, and how individuals play a part in strengthening our democracy. The Anticorruption media campaign is our way of engaging individuals in fighting corruption and owning their power. We need YOU to uphold our country’s values on integrity. We recommend you start here.