Making a judgement about the Mungiki adherents and the Kenyan National Youth Alliance is the most unfortunate thing to do.

Likewise terming them ‘criminals’ is also lopsided and discriminatory. First, who are we to brand them as ‘criminals’? Are we the law? Have they been taken to court and a judgement passed on them?

For me, Mungiki ‘disturbances’ in Nairobi and other parts of the country is but a neo-historical social appraisal that ought to be understood than to be condemned.

In fact the Prime Minister, Hon. Raila Odinga in his statement, said that this is the time to end confrontations and engage in dialogue and negotiations. Doesn’t this allow the government and the Mungiki to peacefully negotiate without provocations and violence, no matter their genuine or otherwise perceived claims?

If the issue is not dealt with now we should expect even worst encounters two or three years down the line.

Historically the greatest forefathers of the now agitated Mungiki as Mau Mau, were the victims of our own independence. They fought with their hearts but were never rewarded.

But why the Kikuyu and Mungiki at the expense of other Kenyans?

The main actors and presence of freedom fighters was first felt and recognized in Central province. Gikuyu’s were the first to engage themselves with white men and colonialists. They were the first to be engaged politically and historically by them.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Internal Security personnel must constructively engage the Mungiki to come to a consensus. What they need is hope and never desperation.

What Mungiki are doing is literally asking fundamental ‘grand’ historical, political, cultural and socio-economic questions. They just need real answers.

Also there are chances that other youth from other cultural groups (Luos, Kalenjins, Luhyas, Maasais, e.t.c.) would form such ‘appraisal forces’ if their needs, including employment, are not addressed.

This might explode, come 2011 during campaigns and elections, and the disadvantaged would group up to violently fight those who are in power and who used corruption, nepotism, cronyism, tribalism and bad politics to be in office.

Lastly, the Mungiki are only detonating the grenades but soon, bombs would explode.

Regards,
Mundia Mundia Jnr.

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Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:35:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: mundia mundia
Subject: Mungiki adherents and the Kenyan National Alliance