Re: [africa-oped] DEFENDERS OF DOMINION - Tribalism as an excuse

Omuga,

Do not fall quickly in love with the smooth sailing Orina. He has decided to twist a few truths to make home look more Kenyan than some of us.

Kuria-Mwangi can bare me witness on this, and all those who have read me will know my stand.

The Luos have not defended Dominion against the Kikuyu. No. What I said, and which ought to come out clear, was my comparison of Dominion and Del Monte, Kakuzi and Sasini. I said that the Kikuyus never raised their voices against these projects in their midst, while, some Luos are being paid to make noise against Dominion.

At no point have I blamed the Kikuyu for the problem. And yet Orina, a brilliant NGO chap, wants to twist this intentionally to paint me as a tribalist..

Again, I have raised my voice, always, in defense of Kenya. But this particular issue of Dominion is based in Nyanza and Western Provinces, so how do we include the Rendile in it, or how does the issue of Somalis come in.

We must hence be factual. We all love Kenya, and this is why I wrote in support of one Nation, at the time of serious regionalism cause.

Orina must not box me into being a tribalist because I have defended Dominion. When I stood out in support of the Maasai at Mau forest, when they were evicted by Kibaki, did I stop being a Luo?

When I support the Ogiek in their struggles, do I cease to be a Luo?

No. Orina must stop seeing Luos in all his doings. You must think rationally, and face the problem at hand. Do not look at my tribe, but look at the issues that I raise.

Odhiambo T Oketch