NAIROBI: It is inconceivable that 50 years after independence we have to discuss the issue of foreigners abusing the hospitality of Kenyans in Kenya. Looking at how far we have come as a nation, you cannot help, but admire the tenacity and valour of our leaders who led the violent struggle to liberate the country from the clutches of British rule.
We pay tribute to Dedan Kimathi, Me Ketilili, Mary Nyanjiru, Koitalel arap Samoei, Harry Thuku and many other Kenyans who championed the struggle. Many of them paid the ultimate price for our liberation.
They fought so that we could be free and walk with our heads held high and uphold our dignity as human beings created equally. Therefore reports that some restaurant owners barred Africans from entering their premises after 5pm ostensibly to curb crime were demeaning to say the least.
Nothing could be more distasteful than acts that seem to suggest that discriminating on account of skin colour is par for the course to curb insecurity. Such distrust of another on account of skin no doubt shade into racism. What's worse is that the Nairobi County Government had issued warnings and closure orders to this restaurant for failing to comply with county regulations. How the same restaurant was let to operate years after closure orders were issued is not difficult to understand. In one word, it is the cost of corruption and connivance by officials from the State Departments. For example, did the employees submit KRA returns or NHIF and NSSF fees? The hard questions will not go away.
Put it this way, is it possible that a Kenyan could set up a nyama choma operation in Shanghai and proceed to arrogantly bar Chinese nationals, defend the action and survive in China? Any Kenyan who abused the Chinese hosts would probably be on the next flight back to Nairobi.
Only last week, Tanzania passed the Anti-foreigners law after demonstrations over the Chinese elbowing locals out of non-professional jobs. Our Government must take decisive and stern action that sends a clear message. The dignity of Kenyans is not to be taken lightly. We may have our own challenges, but we are a nation of free people who walk tall with pride and respect for others; a nation where people of every nationality are embraced warmly; where the people ooze hospitality, kindness and courtesy.
Kenya's independence tree was watered with the blood of our forefathers and therefore racism has no place in the Kenya of 21st century.
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