Heri

I lived for 7 straight years in Kenya, and this shaped most of my personality, my music tastes, my view of the world. I also learned how diversity can enrich a nation, but at the same time, each group keeping its own culture and characteristics.

In this sense, Nairobi with its diverse population coming from the Europe and North America, from South-East Asia, all over Africa, and of course the infinite diversity of Kenya ethnic group was a symbol, an oasis compared to the continent. When the Rwandeese genocide erupted, at the other side of the Great Lakes, people would thought that it would create instability in Kenya. Indeed, Kenya and its neighbors received its share of refugees, adding up to the contigent from Somalia, but stability and good life prevailed.

One of my “real” souvenir would be watching The Lion King with its “hakuna matata” motto; and I think it captures one part of the kenyan spirit.

The events that started in Kenya from 24th December are very sad, and the saddest thing here is that they were mostly started by a tiny group of politicians (I could count them on 2 hands). I know most kenyans don’t have any problems at all living with other ethnic groups. Politicians whose only sole envy (ego) is to be in power are ready to sacrifice the soul of their country just to get 4 more years.

This is is important because as history showed, they might just succeed (cf Zimbabwe)

Nevertheless I am confident in the turn of the events. This time, it will somehow get solved, as there is too much in stake. And more importantly, I believe in the Kenyan spirit. I saw just a few days ago about a documentary about a Canadian-Somalian-Kenya singer, named K’NAAN, who authenticity and generosity is inspiring.