December 12, Kenyans celebrate 45 years of independence with the usual pomp and pageantry.

Some will recall independence with nostalgia. Others will view it as yet another public holiday.

But for the masses, it will be a disturbing reminder that real independence, and the peace and prosperity meant to accompany it, remain elusive.

We ought to reflect more on what kind of Kenya we wish to have before 2012. Every one of us should reflect on a number of concepts that may help redefine our nationhood. These include:

Citizenship — What does it mean to be Kenyan? Is there more to it than just having an ID and voters card? Is there a common ‘thread’ that binds us together? Can we define, promote and defend it?

Patriotism — Do we owe any duty to our country? To what extent do we share collective responsibility in securing the independence dream for future generations?

Leadership — What attributes should we seek in our leaders? Can we show politicians that character matters more than ethnicity? And when will we expose and reject those who promise peace but wage war? When will we begin to favour the less flamboyant, but genuine peace brokers and true champions of justice?

We must ensure the millions whose outlook on life is currently one of despair and disillusionment will one day find genuine reasons for celebrating Jamhuri Day.

{Charles Karanja, via e-mail}

Today, Kenyans will gather to celebrate 45 years of independence. But I will not join in the celebrations. Instead, I will be mourning because independence is a hoax.

The beneficiaries of independence are our leaders, not the common mwananchi.

The rich grabbed huge chunks of fertile land, leaving most Kenyans landless. The result of such greed and historical injustices is what we reaped at the beginning of the year.

Our ‘independence’ supersedes reality. It is characterised by exploitation, hopelessness, mental slavery and lack of opportunity.

Independence should offer freedom and equal opportunity to all.

J M Kariuki prophesied that unless corrective measures were taken, Kenya would become a country of 10 millionaires and 10 million beggars. That is our lot today.

{Zilper Audi, Maseno Varsity}

The struggle for independence was underpinned by the peoples’ desire to reclaim their land and free themselves from poverty, ignorance and disease.

However, the historical conspiracy of exploitation continues to thrive and inform our present political leadership. In 1963, the new African leadership inherited and embraced the colonial super structure because it served them well and ensured they retained the trappings of power, authority and economic privileges that were previously enjoyed by the colonial administrators.

45 years later, the State sits passively as criminal cartels and heartless, faceless multinationals exploit wananchi by charging exorbitant prices for food, water, oil and other basic commodities.

Independence celebrations only make sense to the political elite. To wananchi, the dream of independence from poverty, ignorance and diseases remains just that — a dream.

{Collins Wanderi, Nairobi}

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