The Problem With Kikuyus.

In the last general elections there was a feeling of revenge against the Kikuyu, The election was widely perceived as a contest between the Kikuyus and the rest of the nation. Kenya has been an ethnically fractured society but that was the most charged and potent ethnic showdown of our history. Why would a nation gang against one segment of its population so vehemently? What is it that has made the other communities so bitterly disdained by the Kikuyu community? Contemporary wisdom suggests that if John has a problem with everybody, then John is the problem. I would like to lay my assertions here bare, I would like to extract some truths from the feelings, I want to state my case without even the least of charitable restraint. I am certain that many will not find this very appetizing but I must confront issues, The truth must be hatched out of this case.

As with many issues this one has multiple dimensions but for the purposes of brevity and convenience of my readers, I shall only delve into two, the social and political. I shall naturally begin with the social since that is the more fundamental cause of the acrimony and isolation of the Kikuyu community. In order not to sound like I am inflating Ethnic hatred I shall categorically state that I MYSELF AM A KIKUYU, period.

I shall admit that many times my mother warned me from buying from Luo shops and playing with Luo children, but of course today I do not subscribe to these old and decayed schools of thought

The Kikuyu community is arguably Kenya’s most widely dispersed community, The Kikuyu have settled in significant numbers all across the country and region as well. Unfortunately the Kikuyu have cultivated a perception of esoterically isolating themselves. Wherever Kikuyus settle they deliberately dissociate themselves from associating with other communities, they mostly trade among themselves and commune amongst themselves. This may sound outrageously fallacious, but any honest Kikuyu will admit that their circle of friends is mostly Kikuyus, I shall admit that many times my mother warned me from buying from Luo shops and playing with Luo children, but of course today I do not subscribe to these old and decayed schools of thought. It is obvious that this sense of “sufficiency” among Kikuyus is interpreted as a sign of pride and ethnic chauvinism. Talking of Ethnic chauvinism, many Kikuyus feel that their community was “chosen” by the almighty God, Many of my fellow Kikuyus tell me of the “Entrepreneurial dominance” of the Kikuyu community even when many of them are financially deprived. I do not understand where this fraternal association of wealth comes from, but I guess it is part of the ethnic chauvinism and arrogance. I have not deliberated on this as thoroughly as I would aspire to but I have to give a rest here and delve into my other front of Political dimension.

Kikuyu politics is a very predictable and possibly expired kind of game. It is notable that central Kenya has among the wealthiest and most connected elite. It is also notable that Central Kenya has the oldest leaders in Kenya. Let me put my prior statements in perspective, The older the leaders of  a community, the more conservative the community is. It is also interesting to note that Central Kenyas political paradigms have remained largely the same since independence. The Kikuyu community has always voted for their own and no others. There is a prevalent mindset that is anchored in ethnic arrogance and chauvinism that no other community can lead this country. The fundamental issue in central Kenya is one of fear, fear by the elite and the need to protect the Communities alleged wealth and progress. Unfortunately this is an old lie that is purported by the elite. Majority of Kikuyus are poor and many Central youths are unemployed and disillusioned. The problem with Kikuyus is that they mistake the elites assets as community assets and accept the elites misfortunes and problems as the communities burdens. The Kikuyus fail to understand that their elite are not looking after the interests of them as a people, The Kikuyus fail to appreciate that they are the same as the majority of Kenyans and the problems of Kenyans affect them all the same. So, its apparent that the Kikuyus are in denial and are aloof of the game, the greatest problem is therefore Naivity.