Shout out to Muthoni the Drummer Queen

A shout out to Muthoni the Drummer Queen for inspiring me to greatness. She coughed and I responded, that is, she issued a call to greatness, and I accepted the challenge.

See, it is easy to be critical of everyone and everything, especially when you live in Kenya, the Republic of China. It is easy to see the shadows without giving credit to light. Easy to see how bad things are without realising that there is still so much good in the world.

I am not discounting that we live in a country that is run by a predatory, extractive State that stops at nothing in its pursuit of selfish, elitist interests, but we have a “thing” that binds us together as the Kenyan people. Muthoni, in her call to greatness, asked: “What is that thing?”

What it that “thing” that fills us with an overflow of patriotism when our athletes stun global audiences with award-winning feats? That ‘thing’ we feel when Kenyan artists, actors and musicians gift the world with the depth and precision of their artistry?

That “thing” that makes our hearts swell when our rugby team rises from scruffy underdog to mighty overlord? That “thing” that brings tears to our eyes when Kenyans are recognised as Nobel Laureates and World Teachers of the Year? That “thing” that grabbed at our heart strings when Eliud Kipchoge ran a marathon in less than two hours?

What’s that ‘thing’?

That “thing” is national pride. The pride that we get to feel as a people who have such a magnificent capacity for greatness. We do not just survive - despite living life on an obstacle course - we thrive. We rise above. We defy expectations. We excel despite the odds being stacked against us.

And we do it with a smile, even in the face of never-ending adversity. We are overtaxed and underserved. Our elected representatives over-promise and under-deliver.

We are squatters in a land of corruption, thievery, and unbridled political greed. Even then, nothing matches the ability of a Kenyan to lessen the burden of struggle with humour... to look adversity in the face and laugh... to find joy in the darkest hour... to create life in a barren land.

We are resilient but that word is centred in struggle, and I refuse to define our collective consciousness as one that can only be described in hardship terms. We are so much more than trial and tribulation. As a people, we are held together by a strength that has withstood every attempt to break it down and reduce the will of the people to ashes. We are a force to be reckoned with.

Thus, as Muthoni says, we need to speak to the good in us. To remind ourselves that we are great, worthy, deserving and intelligent. In her words, “…we don’t get to delegate our right to a great life to some person to “hopefully” give us a great life.” We must speak of our greatness even as we demonstrate it.

Innate greatness

As you celebrate during this festive season, reflect on your innate greatness as a Kenyan; on your courage, strength, and stoicism in the face of the utmost adversity. On your ability to get up and go even when all the odds are against you. On your capacity for laughter when life is going belly up.

Reflect on the overwhelming dignity of your person in an age when the machinery of the State is making targeted and sustained attacks on the very essence of your humanity. On the validity of your claim to this great republic, and every good thing that it has to offer. On your immense contribution to this land that we call Kenya and the absolute right and legitimacy of your existence within these borders.

I write all this to say, go forth and be great, y’all. Today and every day.

But a few things, though, as we revel in Christmas cheer. Do not drink and drive. Tell your family how much you love them. Let go of 2019 energy. Eat chapati and chicken.

Turn up the volume on all your devices. Dance until your knees give out. Shoot your shots. Take a chance on romance. Tip your waiters. Smile at the security guard as she empties your shopping into a wicker basket at the mall.

Most importantly, give yourself a massive pat on the back for making it through 12 months in Kenya. Merry, merry Christmas, good people. May your days be filled with laughter, joy, and abundant grace to endure.

Be good to yourselves and to one another.

Ms Masiga is Peace and Security Editor, The Conversation Africa