We need a movement to change Kenya. Not a party, not an institution, but a movement of people choosing to do life differently from what the state, the church and the media demand and manipulate us to do.
Because autocracy has now captured our institutions.
Because autocracy has now captured our institutions.
Kenya is an autocratic state. Idi Amin of the 70s is Muigai of the 21st century.
The only difference is that Muigai doesn't always need the cops to destroy us. He just keeps pushing our buttons, that we destroy ourselves on his behalf.
The only difference is that Muigai doesn't always need the cops to destroy us. He just keeps pushing our buttons, that we destroy ourselves on his behalf.
Muigai has penetrated our minds and souls with a junk curriculum, a tyrannical business sector, #hudumanamba and #BBIreport, so that we do the work for him of destroying ourselves so that there is nobody or nobody strong enough to resist him. #BBINonsense
He pushes and manipulates us until we either take our own lives or others lives, or we pump our veins with chemicals to keep us high. When we're not destroying ourselves fast enough, he sends #extrajudicialkillings.
There is no formal institution in Kenya - church, school or workplace - where it is safe to think differently and ask questions. And safe is not just physical. These days thinking differently means not being heard. You're gaslighted, abused, and your person is attacked.
And after all that, no one takes responsibility for what has happened to you. You're told anything from "this is God/the latest global thinking" to "don't judge or condemn," or "the church/GoK is all of us and no one in particular"
So you have to create the safe spaces yourself. And you cant formalize them with GoK, because the leeches invade it. People start demanding money and loyalty, try to use your space to ask for donor funds or to use the members as a base to campaign for political office.
And leaders refuse to learn or be questioned.
This is why we need to build a movement that does not need permission from the state to operate. I'm suggesting principles of the movement which we can revise or expand as we continue the conversation.
This is why we need to build a movement that does not need permission from the state to operate. I'm suggesting principles of the movement which we can revise or expand as we continue the conversation.
The purpose of the movement (we need a name for it) will be to encourage people to create communities and spaces where they nurture and protect each other, and build a better model for society. The gatherings can be specific to faith, work, safety, education, agriculture, etc
Each gathering can be guided by basic principles like these (please don't do the bad manners of assuming I'm imposing rules).
1. Do not struggle alone. Unity is strength.
2. Ubuntu: If you are happy, so am I. If it hurts you, it hurts me. I don't need to be directly affected
1. Do not struggle alone. Unity is strength.
2. Ubuntu: If you are happy, so am I. If it hurts you, it hurts me. I don't need to be directly affected
3. Thinking and meeting are ALSO doing something (aka do not rush to "what's your solution")
4. Do not allow politicians and NGOs into that space. People from the group can talk to them outside and report back, but those groups must not attend in an official capacity.
4. Do not allow politicians and NGOs into that space. People from the group can talk to them outside and report back, but those groups must not attend in an official capacity.
5. Information, information, information. Don't rely on just street arguments. These days books, podcasts and videos are available online. Read and watch together. Feel free to ask for specific materials addressing an issue.
6. No leader is above scrutiny or questioning. And questions, debates and disagreements are not attacks or judgements.
7. Do not invalidate anybody's experience. Learn to listen and accept it for what it is before offering corrections or "solutions."
7. Do not invalidate anybody's experience. Learn to listen and accept it for what it is before offering corrections or "solutions."
8. As much as possible, avoid raising money for anything. Problems in groups start once money accumulates.
Let people learn to contribute with assistance (work) or in kind. But set the rules on money in advance.
Let people learn to contribute with assistance (work) or in kind. But set the rules on money in advance.
People can offer things like to babysit or share resources, to accompany each other etc. As much as possible, avoid raising or giving money. And use this use for tough times like bereavement and.medical bills. Members can raise funds in other spaces, but not the safe space.
The advantage of this approach is that it forces us to find other ways to address problems, like putting pressure on institutions and those with the power and resources to do what they need to do.
The problem with money is that it provides an escape to avoid confronting issues.
The problem with money is that it provides an escape to avoid confronting issues.
If different groups gather to address different issues around these principles, we will eventually be able to come together and push for a better society that is humane to everybody. We will be able to resist the bs of media, church, schools and government that divides us.
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