Nancy and Shelvis

“I am a little afraid about what may happen next week,” he says, pressing the chalk into the groves of the blackboard tray.  Then my Kiswahili teacher slumps down into the coffee colored chair.  He soberly stares at the back wall, while I struggle to understand the rich sentiment behind his words.  He is concerned about the results of next week’s nationwide vote for or against the proposed Kenyan constitution. My teacher is not alone; the nation is concerned.  So concerned, that several political and religious leaders are declaring their positions and urging their followers to adopt the same. So concerned, that the current and former Presidents have been cautioned by their advisers to use “kinder” words when critiquing each other’s opposing views. So concerned, that masses take to the streets with pamphlets and bull horns to rally support.  So concerned, that campaign trucks parade through the city with dancers cloaked in red (“no” side) or green (“yes” side) swaying and chanting until sunset.  Citizens realize the tremendous impact this vote will have on the future of their country.

 The last few years have offered several defining moments for Kenya, but August 4, 2010 may be the most positive.  Two years ago, several regions of the country erupted into violent protest over the results of the General and Presidential elections. The disharmony arose from many deep seated historical issues, and the results yielded a divided nation. Two years later, the country stands on the cusp of a new constitution which addresses several of the contentious issues. The people of Kenya want to move forward.

Whatever the results, August 4, 2010 will be a memorable day in the history of this country. Kenya will make a decision which will shape its government and people for years to come. Some argue, the proposed constitution offers more national advancement than any other document since Kenya’s liberation from colonial rule in 1963. Others assert the document has strengths, but does not fully capture the heart, vision and values of the people. All agree that the nation must move forward in unity.

As we approach next week’s referendum, my prayer is that this great nation would take another step closer to the unity its people envision.

Posted on August 1st, 2010 by Shelvis
Filed under: Uncategorized