Update: Kikuyusforchange.com letter to Central Kenya Leaders
(A copy of the letter sent to, among others, Hon.s George Thuo, Esther Murugi, Ephraim Maina, F. T. Nyamo, Wangari Maathai, Paul Muite on 3rd July 2008)
The media has highlighted the issue that suggestions have been made that the kikuyu community should honor Right Honourable Raila Odinga as a kikuyu elder. It is argued that this will be a means of creating national unity and reconciliation, and open up channels that will enable our community leaders reach out to elders from other communities in pursuant of establishing a strong national spirit.
As kikuyusforchange.com we represent what is commonly called the Dot. Com generation in Kenya, and with all due respect we have more stake in this country than most of you, if one were to take into consideration our ages vis a vi the average lifespan of a human being. Our opinion is that this issue has gone beyond the point where the event can be cancelled, primarily because it has been debated on national media and other communities have gotten a chance to watch and listen to us. We feel very strongly that if it now does not happen, it will look like kikuyus still refuse to recognize Hon. Raila as both a national leader and the Prime Minister of Kenya. We said as much during a press conference we held on 29th June 2008.
Thereafter we have held intense consultations among the general kikuyu youth on the effect of our statement. It is interesting to note that, without exception, everyone, from the matatu operators, to hawkers, to business operators & professionals, and university students, agrees that the proposed installation will go a long way in building goodwill between the kikuyu and other communities. HOWEVER, it is also very clear that the proponents of the event, Mr. Kuguru & Mr Njonjo, must step aside and allow a different leadership to spearhead the event for it to be successful, and for it to receive acceptance at grassroot level. On this basis we met Mr Kuguru and his team yesterday evening and requested that he steps aside to allow a team that has more acceptance in the community to take charge of preparing for the event. We know that he has considered this and we expect that he will be reaching out to the public with a statement to that effect.
We are writing to you as a leader of community being an elected Member of Parliament, to request that you get involved in the process of preparing this event. We also request that you step in immediately and provide direction on how to contain and positively manage a good idea that is now threatening to become a Public Relations disaster for the community.
In conclusion, part of what we are doing as kikuyusforchange.com is to seek out opportunities not only to reach out to youth in other communities, but we are also initiating internal activities where our young people can learn about our culture, self-analyse our socio-political ideologies and learn from what we hope to establish as a mentors programme comprising of people such as yourselves. We would like your permission to invite you, or come seat with you, when we have an issue in which we believe you can add value.
July 5th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
A friend of mine just emailed me one of your articles from a while back. I read that one a few more. Really enjoy your blog. Thanks
July 6th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I only hope that our leaders will respond to this initiative. If they don’t, this initiative must continue.
I am however persuaded to believe that we, as a community, have our priorities upside down. What do we need first? Personal opinion; we should seek unity within, based on issues that affect us, like displaced people, land issues, joblessness of youth,poverty among others. Once we are united, then we shall seek to reach out to others as a united front.
We must have all our leaders reading from the same script. We cannot afford to be divided. It is said, ‘Ita ritari ndundu rihuragwo na njuguma imwe’.
I would therefore agree with recent developments that kikuyu meet at bomas, but I would propose that Hon Raila be left out of it.
Mr Kuguru is simply seeking political relevance and seeking economic benefits. As young people, we must not allow personal interests to come before community interests. Our people are still hurting. Let us not add salt into an injury.
I have sought advise and opinions from many people and there is a consensus, in my opinion, that this is an insult to kikuyus.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Hi Jason, what blog are you talking about?
September 4th, 2008 at 8:27 am
change is inevitable..embracing it is only genius!
November 17th, 2008 at 2:17 am
My Friends
This installation is purely nonsensical.
Why?
Moi was installed as one and what did the community gain from it?
Raila was installed together with Ruto and even batised Arap Mibei now he is called names left right and left by anybody in Kalenjin community led by Ruto.
So my friends this installation thing is pure matope and lets not waste our energies on such. Leave such things to people like Njonjo and his ilk(politics ya kumalizana)
May 24th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
This is upusi. How will it help da idps n mothers who r crying for their burnt children. What abt those who lost milion in ksm. Dats insult to dem. To their sacrifice.
May 25th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Ok Thumbi. Lets assume, for the sake of extending this conversation with you, that you are right-what would you suggest be done? Or are you one of those people who will stand by the side & shoot off at people who are actually out there doing something?