To overcome challenges, unity of Kenyans is paramount

Our ancestors might not have had the benefit of modern technology. They might not have ridden motorcycles, nor did they have access to electricity and internet, but they were wise nonetheless.

They understood the cycle of life, agriculture and animals. They understood the true value of family and community. 

The creators of the modern technology purport that this is making our life easier. But when you stop and reflect, it is clear that the lives of our ancestors were more simple and fulfilling.

I believe it is always important to pay attention to the wisdom of our elders. Every pithy remark that your grandmother or grandfather tells you about life and existence, you should hang onto. Some of the profound philosophies that they offer might easily be forgotten.

WISDOM

A piece of wisdom that my own grandmother passed on to me is an old proverb that goes like this: sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. 

This proverb packs a very deep message into a concise statement. It means that together, we are stronger. No individual can achieve as much alone as they can if they are working as a group. No athlete can reach great achievements without their teams, and a star student would be nothing without the teacher.

Just look at Eliud Kipchoge’s stellar world record breaking run in Vienna last October. He ran the sub two hour marathon with an entire team of pacers running in a V formation around him, with runners switching in and out to help him achieve his goal. Behind the scenes, there was a host of coaches, his wife and children, and other family members to support and encourage him.

It was not just the feat of one Kenyan, but that of an entire community. This can serve as a metaphor for all of Kenya. If we are divided, we will be breakable. We will not be able to withstand the test of time.

COHESIVE NATION

But if we hold together as one cohesive nation, nothing can break us. Not Covid-19. Not rivalries that emerge from all of this 2022 politicking. Not the staggering global economy resulting from the global pandemic.

This spirit of unity has been the key characteristic of the Jubilee government. Kenyans have known division that has threatened to tear the nation apart. Post-Election Violence is one of the worst things that could happen to this country. 

But from the political situation in the country today, President Uhuru Kenyatta seems to be out to keep the country united through the March 2018 handshake between the President and opposition leader Raila Odinga and the Building Bridges Initiative.

The men and women that have supported the BBI must be heeding to our forefathers’ call for unity.   

Ms Anyango is a social commentator. [email protected]