Re: [Jambo] Lies and Hypocritical from Bwana Nyakundi !

Dear Oduor,

Interesting and quite incisive perspective that seems to enrich this often
"untouched" debate! Overall, I find that few people who comment on ethnicity (as relates to politics or even economy) tend to do it a little bit casually (i.e full of triviality and hearsays on personalities) and often failing to have their inferences backed up by facts. I think, and stand corrected, we cannot sit back and start merely praising or condemning such and such ethnic group for whatever reason. They are all important yet incomparable in terms of varying
factors of age, history, demography, values, proximity to the Capital and socio-cultural issues, among others.

I am of the view that we can only fight tribalism or is it negative ethnicity by first accepting/appreciating  our own identity and ethnicity and sorrounding wealth of ethnic diversity. People miss the point when they use certain personalities as epitomes or true reflection of their tribes. Far from it. There are many unsung heroes and heroines who pass unnoticed simply because they are not politicized. The Ntomba people of Congo have a saying that "a youth who fails to make friendly relationship with the elderly is like a tree without roots". For this reason - it is almost hypocritical that most of us in Nairobi will want to issue press statements or pronouncements against tribalism - and when we want to be elected, seek a favour or even find refuge - the first stop is at the tribe/ethnic cocoon level. Is it double standards?

I am keenly following this discussion - and I beg contributors not to politicize
nor unnnecessarily reduce its' great value by dwelling on personalities rather than issues. Good morning.

Stephen Mutoro