President Uhuru, Please Save Our Young Men.

Last week I got 3 very sad phone calls from 3 distraught women asking for help. One was a grandmother, the other a widowed mother, and the last a young nursing mother. They were seeking help for 3 young men who had been arrested by police. All the three young men are in their 20s. I tell their stories here, because they represent an emerging underclass of young men, likely to know prison as their home for the rest of their lives.

Moses and Victor are recently married and their wives are currently nursing infants less than 2 years old. Waifara on the other hand is 21 years old, and in love with 17 year old girl, and until last week, he was planning to marry her and start his own family. 

Moses was arrested with 9 other young men, all of them with young families. They are charged with “preparation of criminal activities,” but the young men say they were meeting for a “merry-go-round fund-raiser meeting.” The police asked for a permit for their meeting, but they had none, for none is required. These kind of fundraising meetings are very common in Kenya, in fact they are known as CHAMAS. No one needs a permit to hold a chama, except if you are a bunch of young men, who look suspicious i.e., poor. For the police, the young men could only meet with the sole purpose of “preparing for criminal activities” after with their history of poverty, crime is the only employer.  

Victor on the other hand worked for an auction company. Together with his colleagues are locked up at Industrial area remand house. Victor and his colleagues reported to work like they always do on one Tuesday; only this time, they fell on tough luck. [In the interest of disclosure, I will say, I hate auctioneers and the goons they hire]. As they were attempting to auction property they were told had been attached already, police raided on them with accusation of theft. It turns out their employer had forgotten to get the right papers before the auction. Victor would not have known that, in fact he got to know of such a process as the sentence was being read for him at the court room.  His young wife, just like Moses’ is now struggling to raise their child alone – another narrative of single motherhood is being re-born. 

Waifara on the other hand is an orphan. His mother died while he was still in primary school, and has been raised by his grandmother. He happens to be in love with a girl from a rich background but also younger than him. The parents of the girl have accused him of sexual assault. While the girl objects to these accusations, saying they are in love and plan to get married, her parents will have none of it. There is no way she will get married to an orphan. Were the boy from a rich background, the girl’s parents would probably have been more concerned about contraception. 

These three cases represent an emerging narrative of a growing underclass of young men in Kiambu (and Central Province) whose very existence is increasingly criminalized. One needs to trace their history to the 1980s and 90s when the phenomenon of single-mothers and female headed families emerged in the region. According to demographic data, female headed families in Central region are about 34%. They also earn less, than their male headed family which is an indicator of educational outcomes.  Indeed a total of 48% of Kiambu County residents only have primary level of education, and Gatundu South, has the highest number of residents with no formal education at 14%. These factors impact on the life outcomes of our young people.

Crime and poverty are renowned good bedfellows. With the increase of terrorism in the country, a new phenomenon of “preventative policing” is emerging. This has translated into arresting the criminal before he inflicts criminal harm. Unfortunately, poverty is increasingly being confused for crime. Moses, a quintessential hard worker, who is very determined to break from inter-generational inheritance of poverty, is now locked up in jail, and if he does not come out soon, his son is likely to join him in there, in a few years’ time.

ILO two-dimensional approach to develop the SPF

That is why it is important to advocate for a new leadership in Kiambu. Unfortunately, people in Kiambu elect leaders based on their wealth and business acumen. To get elected in Kiambu, one would have to be wealthy, even if such may be of questionable origin. Yet, these people may not always realize the much needed change. It would be great if President Kenyatta, whose home constituency has the highest number of persons with no formal education, to support a changed approach to leadership in Kiambu.

There is need to begin to focus on social protection. As Kiambu continues to urbanize, it becomes necessary to provide for and protect for the most vulnerable members of the society through the entire continuum of life. Kiambu needs to develop and champion Social Protection Floor.

 

I wish to make a personal appeal to President Kenyatta, to use the social capital that he has in Kiambu, to begin to support new leadership for the County. If he were for example to support a candidate within the county, with a mandate to be Social Protection Champion, it wold then become possible to stop the spiralling vulnerability faced by many in Kiambu.  In particular I would urge that as TNA looks for a candidate for Gatundu South following the untimely demise of Hon. Ngugi Nyumu to look at a candidate who may not necessarily be political, but can champion Social protection issues. 

The issue of Social Protection, is likely to be an impressive campaign  promise for re-election, but it will only be believed if there is a track record. Mr. President, you can create that track record by appointing believers in social protection to your government. 

Election of Zack Mbhele & lessons for Africa

The election of Zack Mbhele as Africa’s first openly gay Member of Parliament is Great news for many in Africa. It is a welcome relief that validates the dreams of many gay and lesbian youths in Continent. Some people will say, there are many gay members of parliament already – possibly in every country in Africa, so Zack’s election is hardly new. But they are largely elected on assumption of heterosexuality; for Zack however there is no that assumption –he is elected purely because of his skills, diligence and commitment to his Party’s ideals. 

This election says a lot about Zack the person, and about South Africa in general. First that Zack is a person of integrity – that he did not feel the need to create a heterosexual assumption, says a lot about his integrity, courage and belief in the democratic systems and of course his belief in internal democracy within his own party the Democratic Alliance.

Secondly it says a lot about South Africa. Zack’s election may be headline material for the rest of the continent but for South Africa, it is his fellow Democratic  Alliance  MP Yusuf Cassim, who makes headlines for being the youngest MP at the age of 24.

This has important lessons for the rest of Africa. The first lesson is rather obvious, the obsession with homosexuality is anachronistic – it’s been passed by time. The religious leaders have an obvious interest in this topic, as they do many other issues, but this is not an issue of law or policy. The second lesson is that Africa cannot hope to drive forward using the rear-view mirror. Moreover, Africa cannot be a player in the international field using village rules. The time spent discussing how gay and lesbian persons are (mis)treated in Africa, is time taken away from discussing issues related the continent’s growth and development. As such, there comes a time to let go some obsessions – this is the time for this particular one!

For Kenya, however, what happens in South Africa should interest us.  South Africa is a Key competitor in important service industries – such as financial markets and tourism. Creating a reputation of a country that jails certain categories of people on the basis of their private moral issues is not the best way to position a country as investment or tour destination. A cursory look at how  international tour websites advise prospective tourists one finds the following advice on Kenya: 

If you are gay or lesbian and wish to travel to Africa it is wise to do a little research before you plan your trip. Homosexuality is illegal in almost every African country (bar South Africa) and is considered a criminal offense in several top tourist destinations like Egypt, Morocco and Kenya.  

Unlike Egypt and Morocco, that offer a unique product only to be found in these destinations, the Kenya’s big 5 or even the 8^th wonder – the great migration, are not restricted to Kenya. As any marketer will advise, product differentiation and staying ahead of competition are necessary imperatives for any business. 

This is not to say, that removing criminalization, or promoting visibility of gay and lesbian persons in Kenya is the panacea for the ailing industry. Such can however become important ingredients for product differentiation. Moreover, given how deeply competing destinations such as Tanzania have invested on this issue, removing criminalization against gay people or promoting their visibility in Kenya are marketing tools that cannot be immediately copied by our competition. At the very least such initiatives would remove a particular competitive edge enjoyed by South Africa.

Additionally such would also have beneficial impact on public health outcomes, as we have adequately demonstrated elsewhere in this blog.

Project 2017

This is a low-key announcement of intention to run again for public office in 2017.  The 2013 elections are over and the lessons have been learnt.  The 2017 elections are ahead of us and with adequate preparation, this is ours for keeps.  Still the 2013 campaigns offered unique opportunity to experience competitive politics in general but also to position this Candidature in a way that benefits the widest number of people as possible. 

One of the most important lessons that I learnt was that this Candidature, means a lot more than just seeking a political office. It inspires hope, courage and tenacity; that all of us can realize our goals and aspirations in life, regardless of personal circumstances. Making this announcement while still in fulltime employment, means I continually have to check against conflict of interest in any number of engagements. This becomes a very helpful opportunity to sharpen the Ethical Sense to avoid situations where personal interests may conflict with or potentially adverse professional interests. Gaining this Ethical sense is very important for anyone preparing to service in a public office. 

Symbolic Meaning:  2017 is 4 years away, yet this Candidature, has to have relevance and meaning today. True, this announcement serves to help guide interactions and relationships with critical communities, in readiness for 2017. Still, it is important to position the Candidature in a way that highlights its uniqueness and supports realization of important individual and community ideals today. So between now and 2017, this Candidature will expand on the following symbolism. 

Political Positioning: For persons who believe in human rights, equality and equity, this candidature is the best placed one to address intersecting social vulnerabilities among all political players because its very identity is contextualized from a social framework of discrimination and exclusion. The very ability of this Candidature to rise above this context of social vulnerability, discrimination and exclusion must inspire hope, courage and tenacity that all of us can realize our goals and aspirations in life, regardless of our circumstances.

For Kenya and National Branding: Kenya like many other countries in the region is at a defining point in history, of incredible potential and opportunity. Yet against this background, there are daunting geo-political threats and challenges such as terrorism, regional political and economic instability and growing competition. This Candidature fits perfectly into the Brand Kenya matrix of diversity, progressiveness and liberal democracy. Kenya is among very few Sub-Saharan countries that would allow for let alone support to this candidature.  For Kenya, this Candidature is the very representation of vibrant democracy, respect for Human Rights and enduring commitment to address intersecting vulnerabilities.

For Public Health: This Candidature is contextualized within a framework of addressing health disparities, in the country and the region. This is particularly the case for communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS a situation that is made worse by existing structural barriers to access. Because the Candidate currently works in the area of Health Policy, he understands best the challenges of achieving the constitutionally guaranteed right to the highest attainable standard of health for every person in Kenya. This candidature offers unique advocacy opportunity of the numerous policy programs being undertaken by the Kenyan government.

For the Business Community: This Candidature raises visibility and differentiates the Kenyan Brand and Market at a time when geo-political challenges such as Terrorism have impaired this brand. The Hospitality industry is particularly advantaged to benefit from this Candidature. This is because it offers opportunity to re-brand Kenya in a way that warms to the hearts and minds of the traditional tourism source markets relative to regional competition. Other business players will benefit from calmed costs of doing business including financing costs, brand reputation and reduced international marketing costs.

For Marginalized Communities: Observed differences between social groups can and often does become the basis for inequality in everyday social encounters. It is therefore very important for individuals and groups at the margin of the society to push against ascribed social placement that defines them as “lesser-than.” Failure to do so leads to the entrenchment of conditions that keep them perpetually marginalized and vulnerable. This Candidature is the very essence of this push-back. The very presence of this candidature says goals and aspirations in life are not defined by our history, or personal/social circumstances, but rather by our hope and commitment to work hard for their realization. Supporting this candidature is particularly important in validating this ambitious positioning.

For Moral & Religious Thought Leaders: This Candidature is constructive to the religious and moral leadership; even though it may at first appear counterintuitive.  To the religious community whose relevance, like that of a doctor, is paradoxically positioned in the context of that which they avow to eliminate, this Candidature intrigues, humbles and demonstrates the immensity of God’s Love. The Theological community particularly benefits from study and reflection on the reality of this Candidature and the paradox of Free will, the reality of the Divine that is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent, among other factors. To the Moral and Religious thought leaders, this Candidature presents opportunity for expanded Theology. As a person who has a background in Theology, I look forward to engaging with Theology teachers and students on this issue, when invited. 

At a personal level, this Candidature is about service to community and making sense of personal circumstances. It is about putting at the disposal of communal value, my skills and talents, which incidentally come forth contextualized by my personal circumstances and life experiences. At some level it is a spiritual experience because I realize that my life and its experiences have to have meaning – they cannot be in vain; that the desire to serve in public life cannot be a futile desire. So, even through at the moment this desire is only realized in some metaphysical way, though the above symbolic meanings. It is my hope and desire, and one that I will commit to work with friends and partners for its actual realization in 2017.

Not if you are Black - Kenyan MPs Say! IDAHOT

I want to write about an experience that is all too common in Kenya and I believe other parts of Africa as well. This is racism against our very own people. Our very own people give preferential treatment to white people, and crappy treatment to our very own. In fact, as I was rushing to check in at the JKIA to get some time to write this piece, David, a KQ staffer not only had to scan my Swiss visa, but also had to use a magnifying glass to check for God knows what; all the while letting white people by with the widest smile his face could muster. Any Kenyan who frequents any of our Malls or major hotels knows of this experience all too well.

But why blame ordinary Kenyans who discriminate against their fellow black Kenyans while the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya has codified this practice into law. Of course not too directly – that would have been against the Bill of Rights in the “new” Constitution.  If you doubt me, let’s take a look at the Marriage Act recently signed into law by the President. This law essentially codifies what every “gate-keeper” does daily – the practice of discriminating our very own, while giving preferential treatment to other people on account of their race. Yet for Parliament to do this is a clear demonstration of how deeply we have internalized racism against our very own!

If you doubt me, you can download the Marriage Bill, (but note article 58 was deleted in the final version). I wish to draw your attention to section/article 10 of this law which deals with “Prohibited marriage relationships” and 37 that deals with “Civil marriages in foreign countries.” Notice that gay marriages are not part of the prohibited relationships, and notice also that the Government of Kenya will recognize as valid all civil marriages as long as they are in accordance with the laws of the country that they are contracted in. But notice also the only claw back on a possible gay marriage is that if any of the parties to the marriage contract is domiciled in Kenya. 

One could well argue that if two black gays are holders of a Dutch, British or Norwegian Nationalities and are married in countries that recognize gay marriages, then the Government of Kenya would recognize their marriage. While if two white gays holders of Kenyan passports attempted a gay marriage, such marriage would not be recognized as valid. This is because only Kenyans are required to have “capacity to marry” under the Kenyan law, which requires that parties to a marriage be of opposite sex.  But what are the odds of having a black gay couple of Dutch/British/Norwegian Nationality and a white gay couple of Kenyan Nationality? 

How is this different from what the watch man at the Junction/Galleria/Westgate Mall does, by only casually checking a white patron, (if at all), and thoroughly checking a black Kenyan, even a Member of Parliament for “Bombs”?

You may say that Kenyans (Africans) are opposed to gay marriages, but is that truly the case? Is it not the case that in fact what they are opposed to is black gay Kenyans marrying – but for the Mzungu’s its ok. Is that not the reason why, our Marriage law now recognizes “Mzungu” gay marriages but not “black Kenyan” gay marriages? 

Can our Parliamentarians have any moral authority to complaint about racism, while their actions prove that they are like the rest of us? They too drink from the pool of “internalized racism”!

Now my “White” friend Ryan, wanted me to write about IDAHOT – which is celebrated on 17^th of May. IDAHOT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.  But I do not think majority of Kenyans including members of Parliament are Homophobic or Transphobic. When Ryan lived with me for 3 months in Rongai – he did not hide his sexual orientation from anyone. Yes, even in the matatu guys on route 125 & 126 – many of the conductors and drivers knew it, and did not mind him. Why, because he is white! Yes, he even got invited to many dinners by the socialites in Kenya and his sexuality was not a problem. 

So clearly my friends, our problem has nothing to do with homophobia or transphobia, it’s just that we hate ourselves so much. What we hate even more are people who remind us of characteristics we have learnt to associate with being black. Two examples will suffice; poverty – we hate and discriminate against the poor “they embarrass us” we say! Then there is Powerlessness – so we hate and discriminate against women, and that is why we hate even more, men who supposedly assume feminine roles; how dare they? What is their problem, as one commenter in this article [link] in a Ugandan paper said, “what do homosexuals look for in the exhaust pipes” – notice the metaphor of gay sexuality only assumes penetration hence gay sex cannot be about lesbian women – after all, we have no problem women being women!

As we celebrate IDAHOT this year, let us seriously think about our internalized self-hate! I honestly would hope that our parliaments in Africa would pass laws that affirm and reassure our confidence in ourselves (not those anti-white rhetoric so characteristic of our leaders such as Mugabe – which by the way none of them believes in), but rather a deep felt genuine commitment to affirm the human value in each and every one of us regardless of our personal attributes! Only then can IDAHOT, The day of the African Child, on the 16^th of June, Mashujaa day, Hero’s days etc., can have any meaning for us in Africa. 

To motivate people to action and activism, this is about people keeping the spirit of our Independence struggle alive. Our parents fought for independence, but we are now selling it out – in the name of moral arguments. As President Kenyatta said, “When the Missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the Missionaries had the Bible. They taught how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.” Religion and morality are important values, but let us NOT devalue the dignity of anyone person on basis of religion or morality. 

To do so would be to repeat the mistakes we did in history. I welcome all of us especially our leaders, to affirm our dignity. It is a shame that our parliamentarians, think differently of White gay people than they do of us, as Africans! As citizens of Kenya and Africa, let us take a different route.