Friday

Politics of Shame and Our Pride



We are Kenyan not because they line their wallets
with the sweat and tears of the toothless pensioner
But because we know there must be hope for our seed.

We are Kenyan not because they lack direction, inspiration
conviction, strength, courage or moral spine.
But because we know there are better leaders amongst us

We are Kenyan not because they try to divide us
into tribe, class, education or neighbourhood
But because we know we are one

We are Kenyan not because they give themselves
our land, steal our money, kill our people
But because we know they will rot in hell

We are Kenyan because we are pained by them
Silently we bleed for change but fearing those in the trough
will find ways to misdirect our passion, use our pain against us.

We are Kenyan because we have read
Scribes of old warning of the dangers of power and how
History is full of leaders lined up; the lucky ones in hoods
Is this perhaps what they need?

We are Kenyan because our hearts swell with pride
when Kip outruns the pack, Wanjiku takes the prize,
Okello wins the seat or Shah makes a six


I am Kenyan because I see the beauty, wealth of my motherland
And because of this I dare not despair.
Defiantly I look the mongers of war in the eye
Challenging them to lie to me that they too are Kenyan!


Lucas Ndolo

December/January 2009/2010

8 comments:

gishungwa said...

Well said. Excellent reminder why we proclaim, Daima Kenya!

Mr Reality Check said...

True. Very true. We know there are better leaders among us. I love this piece to bits

Unknown said...

I love Kenya and you are a great leader Lucas one day they will appreciate you...

Unknown said...

We are truly Kenyan. I am proud to be a Kenyan. Kenya our Motherland, so rich, so blessed...
The Successful Path

Unknown said...

We are truly Kenyan. I am proud to be a Kenyan. Kenya our Motherland, so rich, so blessed...
The Successful Path

Mure said...

This is a well written and very inspiring piece of poetry that i hope every Kenyan can read, understand and be proud that He/She is a Kenyan.

Anonymous said...

Hello there! My name is Sammi and I am a senior at Arapahoe High School in the United States (Denver, Colorado). I am doing a project for my English class by researching Kenya. If you could email me at sammiharmon@yahoo.com I would love to ask you some questions about Kenya's culture! Thank you and hope to hear from you soon!

said...

Beautiful.