People who have met me can attest to the fact that I love my country.
I am deeply and madly in love with Kenya. I take pride in my
Nationality. I take pride in the excellence of my country men and
women. I am what they call, Mkenya Halisi (Truly Kenyan). This
love for my country informs my identity, it cannot be displaced, it
cannot fade. Kenya is my one and true love.
But a funny thing happened. In May, 2011, I met Senegal. I was on
transit to Cape Verde for the 3rd African University on Youth and
Development organised by the North South Centre of the Council of
Europe. I had tried to get a Senegalese visa for the 36 hours I was
going to be in on transit through Dakar. However, the French Embassy
in Nairobi could not process the Visa for the reason that the notice
given was too short (not to mention that it was over five days). So
here I was, staring in awe at the expansive exotic city of Dakar
protruding beautifully over the clear blue Atlantic waters. I felt a
tiny spark of love, mid air, for this city. I thought it was
magnifique.
I looked in awe from the KQ aircraft at the African Renaissance
Monument. I couldn't help but notice that the representation of the
male figure of the monument, was supporting and leading the female,
and carrying the child sitting on its shoulders. I immediately
thought of how much I would have loved to hate that depiction of
patriarchy, (atleast to my eyes), and in turn dismiss the city
of Dakar, quietly wish away the 36 transit hours and embark onto the
culturally rich country of Cabo Verde.
(I shall not delve into a discourse about this monument at this
point)
The first 24 hours went by rather fast I must admit. They say first
impressions last, well I didn't get to feel Dakar outside the
confines of the Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport, but I
had ideas of how it could possibly be. An Airport police Officer, (I
did not get his name, I wish I did!) out of the kindness of his
heart ensured that we (my friends Cate and Job were with me)
were fed and comfortable in the tiny holding space at the Airport. I
was thrilled at the gesture. I was humbled and wondered if the Kenyan
Authorities would do the same. Well, I think I'm pushing it....
In March 2012, the 3rd Congress of the Global Young Greens and 2nd
Congress of the Global Greens were set to happen in Dakar. I was
excited about two things; that I would meet most young green
advocates at this congress and secondly, because I would actually get
the chance to tour Dakar and explore the spark I had felt mid air
close to an year before. The notable thing to mention is that I
arrived in Dakar on 25th March 2012. This was the day of the
Presidential run-offs. With a mixture of excitement and fear of the
unknown, here I was, having chosen to focus on the greater likelihood
of a peaceful election. I wasn't alone, hundreds of Green advocates
had come to Dakar for the congresses.
Later that night and into the morning of March 26th, courtesy of the
Honourable Minister for Environment in Senegal, Hon. El Ali Haidar,
we got out to the city in a convoy to celebrate the victory of the
opposition in the elections. On the streets I noticed that different
people had different expressions. Some gleamed with great excitement,
others looked solemn. Yet there they were, on the streets openly
sharing their feelings without fear of being attacked.
That will always be one of the most powerful experiences in my life.
To see a country with diverse political preferences choose to respect
this diversity. It was a powerful message for me, a peace advocate. I
swore to document it. It reminded me of the change of regime in Kenya
in the year 2002 and the united celebration of the victory of the
opposition. I was young, I couldn't vote and may not have appreciated
the unity as much I did in Dakar. It reinforced my hope and love for
African States. It symbolised the possibility of a united Africa.
I experienced the power of a peaceful relegation of power. The hope
of the fruits yielded by a constant struggle for democracy. I was
moved to tears especially because I only qualified to vote in the
Kenya General Elections in the year 2007. I had blamed my vote for
the thousands of people who had been displaced in the post election
skirmishes. I needed reassurance that democracy, peace and elections
could indeed be bedfellows. I felt the joy of the Senegalese people.
I felt proud. My friends coming from other parts of the world looked
on at the magnificent show of democracy in a continent they had
possibly read negative literature about. I fell in love with this
democracy and with it ignited the spark into a flame of affection for
this country, for the Senegalese people, for the democratic values
they demonstrated.
During the congress, I witnessed selfless service from young green
Senegalese volunteers. They brought with them rich discussions.
Within these discussions, a constant reminder that progressive
decisions could only be made by people ready to listen and
accommodate one another. These lessons saw the re-birth of the
Federation of Young African Greens. This Senegalese spirit breathed
democracy into its processes and a sense of unity we Young Greens
from Africa share.
I made special friends at this congress. I struggled with the little
French I had picked up along the way and learnt a few Wolof words. I
returned in July, en-route to Cape Verde and re-affirmed the strength
of my affection for Senegal. I am still exploring this affection, I
am learning the language of her people,the language that she inspired
me to study. I am hoping I can get time to stay in Senegal for no
less than half a year in the future, volunteer as an English teacher
and discover the special things about this African State. I am hoping
that the tears shed in Dakar can flow to Nairobi and reinforce the
strength of Democracy Kenya almost lost in the years 2007/08.
