Every
four years I watch in awe as the Kenyan Olympics team sweeps the medals
in various track events in diverse cities around the world. The best part comes when the Kenyan
National Anthem is consistently played during the medal conferment
ceremonies. I stand at attention, I sing along, taking time to
internalise the powerful words of that National Anthem. I
pay tribute to the excellence of my Nation and the dedication of my
countrymen and women. These moments consistently remind me how proud I am to be
Kenyan.
The London 2012 Olympics have reinforced the power of togetherness as a Nation. As Olympics and World Record Holder and Kenyan David Lekuta Rudisha crossed the finish line in the 800m race, the Nation was ecstatic of his win. He did not just represent the uniqueness of Kenya's athleticism, but also had the whole Nation united in this moment of pride.
It is worthy to remember that when we choose to disregard each other, we disregard our Nation, its future and that of its future generations. When we choose to turn unto each other, we kill the unity that has defined us for so long. We dim the chances of raising a generation of Kenyans that not only shines in athletics but in many other fields in Africa and the world.
We need not forget where we come from or the tribe we belong to. Having 42 tribes in Kenya reinforces our diversity. What we need to do is rise above definition by tribe. We need to stop allowing a select group of politicians to polarise our oneness. We need to embrace this diversity and make it work for the glory of this African giant we call home.
I tell a story of a girl who set out of her home in central Kenya and out of her comfort as a Kikuyu into the rich and beautiful valley in the Rift for her University education. There she experienced the unparalleled friendliness of her Kalenjin countrymen and became fascinated by the Luo dialect. I tell a story of a girl who refuses to part with these good things because of a single unfortunate incident of tribal politics turned nightmare. She believes we can rise above this tribal curse and learn to enjoy the vastness and splendor of our Kenyan soil.
Let us always remember as stated by the late Hon Prof George Saitoti that there comes a time when the Nation is greater than an individual.
My fellow countrymen,
Let the consistent message of our National Anthem playing in
London this year remind us that the excellence of our countrymen and women comes to all in our Nation, regardless of our
ethnicity. If we dedicate our lives to bringing pride to our
Nation, we dedicate ourselves to a course that reinstalls pride in our
Nationality. The athletic excellence has been with us for generations,
it reinforces our oneness with the wild, because we run in the wild and
shine in the world.
We are Kenyan!
