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INTRODUCTION TO THINKING AS A NATION
To help you in your thinking over this matter, we will email you a copy of the constitution of ONE KENYA ONE NATION (KENYANATION) so that you can see the objects of the body fully (please send us your email address).
The following are our views on how these objectives can be achieved by getting Kenyans to understand that:-
a) Ethnicity is Not a Choice
Ethnicity is not chosen - nobody chooses his/her parents or the place of birth, it is wrong, therefore, victimising one for the mere fact that he/she was born at area/tribe B and not in area/tribe A.
b) Attitude is a Choice
While attitude could be influenced by ethnicity (cultural tendencies), one has a choice how to behave towards other people of different families and ethnic groupings. It is a known fact that no two people (even identical twins) are exactly the same. The same holds true of people of the same ethnic grouping. It is wrong, therefore, to judge people by tribe/ethnic grouping - one should be judged as an individual.
c) Dependability
The geographical size of Kenya, the demographic distribution of the ethnic groups, the economic developments of the various areas and the ethnic groupings are such that none of the ethnic groups can exist on its own:-
- Kenya is such a small country that it would be virtually impossible to demarcate areas for each ethnic group
- The historical background would create an untenable situation if any demarcation were to be made; the Maasaiused to occupy a lot of what is now Kikuyuland and Kambaland, eg., Donyo Sabuk area, Nairobi and its environs, Naivasha and Nyandarua areas and, currently, the Maasai are in two different locations separated by other ethnic groups - Laikipia and Narok & Kajiado
- The various ethnic groups are to be found in virtually all parts of Kenya either in business or working as employees.
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Economic development is so skewed that none of the areas/ethnic groups could stand on its own. The Asian community, with all their economic might, depends of the average Kenyan to the market of its goods. If, for example, other Kenyans boycotted goods manufactured by the Asian community, the community's economic strength would collapse sooner than later
d) Dangers:
When people are judged by their ethnicity, this action creates greater/deeper ethnic feeling as the people, so judged, try to form stronger ethnic cohesion for self-protection. This situation often stems from politicians, in their endeavour to take advantage of their ethnicity cither to get votes or to protect/ crimes-done in the past;
This tribal/ethnic togetherness creates even greater reason/ excuse for the other tribes/ethnic groups to despise the group that started their 'togetherness' ostensibly to protect themselves. This situation can escalate to levels like the tribal (read 'political') clashes of Kenya in 1992 and the massacres of Rwanda and Burundi in 1990s. These catastrophes will be highlighted as the very reasons why ethnicity should be avoided at all costs.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
It is proposed that the board of directors shall consist of influential people representing certain ethical /religious grouping. Some of the proposed names (not contacted yet) are:
- PLO Lumumba who has made a name in the legal fraternity and in civic education and, being Luo, will represent the Luo community, the legal fraternity and the "Young Turks"!
- Rev Mutava Musyimi, a highly-placed clergy, has been active in civic education where he has big influence and, being a Mkamba, will be acceptable to the three constituents, ie, religious and civil groups and the Kamba tribe.
- Bishop Korir is currently the chairman of the Catholic Episcopal Conference, a very influential body of the Catholic Church and, being a Kalenjin, he will be acceptable to the Catholics and the Kalenjin community.
- Prof. El. Bulsaidy is the chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims and he is expected to provide the reach needed in the Muslim community.
- Ms Yolanda Andersen, a reputable Public Relations Consultant, would play pivotal role as a representative of women, the public relations fraternity and people of mixed race.
- Ms Rose Kimotho, Managing Director of Kameme FM Radio station and the chairman of the Media Owners Association, would bring in very important contribution in the media and women groups.
- The Chairman, Hindu Council, who would be expected to influence the Hindu community
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