Oginde: National anthem touches our core values as a nation

Today marks yet another birthday for the Kenya nation. Some fifty-one years ago, the nation took the first step towards independence from external control. With pomp and pride, the founding fathers of this nation took the reins of power as they awaited full independence that was to follow. The hopes were high, the optimism palpable. At last, they were going to shape the course of their own destiny and build a heritage for their children.

One of the little marvels of that heritage that I have often celebrated is our national anthem. As the founding fathers contemplated what should express the feelings of Kenyans towards their country, the choice before them was undoubtedly vast.

Historical records indicate that a national team of five songwriters was commissioned to look for a song that would make Kenyans proud of their country. Having listened to hundreds of African songs, finally together with the president, they settled for our current national anthem which was then officially adopted on December 12, 1963.

Surveying national anthems of the various countries of the world (and I have a whole set of them), reveals that national anthems encompass a wide variety of music. They range from folk tunes to religious praises, from patriotic hymns to victory marches. Some songs exalt the beauty of the nation, while others boast a historical event. More than a few are simply brief fanfares with little significance. However, the Kenyan anthem stands unique. Far from being just a mere patriotic song, it is a most passionate prayer to the God of heaven and earth!

The anthem opens with a cry to God: O God! Whenever God is addressed in this way, it is usually either a cry of desperation or of appreciation. As an appreciation, it is often followed by a description of the God to whom it is directed, thus appreciating His splendour and majesty. As a cry of desperation, it precedes a specific request for help. In a unique genius of composition, our national anthem captures these two most wisely.

It says: O God of all creation, Bless this our land and nation. Justice be our shield and defender. May we dwell in unity; Peace and liberty. Plenty be found within our borders.

Accordingly, the first line describes the God to whom it is addressed: the God of all creation. The subsequent lines are a plea for divine endowment in specific aspects of our national life: in matters of justice, unity, peace, liberty, and in abundance of provision. Thus the first stanza is a most powerful prayer, to the most powerful God, for the most critical national issues!

In yet greater wisdom, the authors use the next two stanzas to articulate the responsibility of every citizen to their nation, thus: Let one and all arise, with hearts both strong and true. Service be our earnest endeavour. And our homeland of Kenya, a heritage of splendour; Firm may we stand to defend. Let all with one accord, in common bond united; Build this our nation together. And the glory of Kenya, the fruit of our labour; fill every heart with thanksgiving.

These words aptly capture the spirit of Mzee Kenyatta’s most powerful rallying call to the people of Kenya at the first Madaraka Day, “As we participate in pomp and circumstance, and as we make merry at this time, remember this: we are relaxing before the toil that is to come. We must work harder to fight our enemies — ignorance, sickness and poverty. Let us all work hard together for our country—Kenya.”

But has the anthem prayer been answered? I have reason to believe that the serious sense of justice we so cherish, and the special unity in diversity that we enjoyed for many years, are attributable to this passionate prayer. Similarly, for years, God blessed this land with unique peace in a very volatile region. And for the first few decades of independence, we sure enjoyed plenty within our borders. Who can deny that Kenya has been the centre of Africa? Most multinationals, NGOs and other organisations chose our country as their base for Africa operations. Even the United Nations readily picked Kenya for one of its headquarters. For a long time, tourists who had not visited Kenya had not visited Africa. Europeans who had not taken Kenya tea or coffee had not tasted anything yet! The flowers of this nation have been in great demand in most parts of Europe.

Unfortunately, like happens with written prayers, our great anthem soon became rote — a mere song that is sang at state functions, in school assemblies, and wherever else we care to sound patriotic. Time has robbed this great hymn of its divine import. Consequently, it appears like God has left us to our own devices — and it is no music to anyone’s ears.

But like one local FM station has re-invented the grand old tunes to the cherish of many, our anthem can be refreshed to its original purpose. As we celebrate Kenya today, may God breathe life into this great psalter’s prayer, and stir us back to true patriotic prayer.