BEARERS OF THE DREAM

this reflects on the Kenyan nation 50 years after independence; the struggles, achievements and visions thus far

‘Eeh Mungu nguvu yetu…’

Was sang with hopes so bright,

The birth of a nation,

The flag, a representation

Of their desires and petitions,

Struggles propelled by passion,

As the new anthem echoed,

Hearts gladdened,

The new generation

In’ uhuru, amani and undugu’.

 

Two decades later,

Voices sounding together,

Against corruption, misrepresentation,

Economic issues, land issues,

Gender bias, tribal bias,

Where?

Where did our dream disappear to?

Where did our democracy go to?

Where were the bearers of the dream?

 

Ten years later,

Our voices still echoed,

For free will to decide,

Which party to be part of,

‘Multiparty democracy’ the people wanted,

‘Multiparty democracy’ the people got,

Finally, would they be the bearers?

 

Two decades past,

Most heroes have passed,

But the die that they cast,

Was not just a fuss,

Today we stand,

A new constitution,

Fifty years; so grand.

 

But with us to this day,

Are obstacles of back in the day

And setbacks of today,

Land issues, economic issues,

Tribalism, Nepotism,

Segregation of the African women,

Yes, it is up to us.

‘Nchi yetu ya Kenya, Tunayoipenda

Tuwe tayari kulinda’

For we are,

The bearers of the dream!

 

Author's Note

The Swahili portions are extracts from the Kenyan national Anthem