Tabichi symbolic of our yearning for heroes

In the almost five decades of living in this country I have come to realise that the true meaning of a hero has always eluded us. In our search for heroes, we stumble and fail miserably as once in a while, we imagine that we have finally nailed it, and then we are hit with the reality that our search is still long way from being rewarded. We don’t want to admit it, but most of us know inwardly, even mentally, that our society is composed of some of the most wicked and vindictive villains God ever assembled for one country in a lifetime. I talk of lifetime because many Kenyans live and die without witnessing and experiencing the true splendor as envisaged in our National Anthem. That is if they are lucky to live long enough before they are hunted down by criminals (civilian and uniformed), disease, hunger and road accidents. Hence the hunger for redemption from a real hero. The Tabichis, Wanyamas, Rudishas and Tergats of this world, are always at hand to provide some symptomatic relief, once in a while. Therefore, the reason why the prize that Tabichi won was a huge relief for Kenyans.

As a nation, found something positive to smile about and be happy in a deluge of negative political, economic and social context. The social media platforms, offices, prayer rooms, bar corners, playgrounds and school yards are animated by talk about our new found hero. We are experiencing a fleeting moment of celebration of moral bravery and courage in the face of adversity, but soon we will be given a reality check. The high we have attained from savouring the success of Teacher Tabichi will soon dissipate, if it has not already. The truth of the matter is that this individual success, is an unflattering narrative of how deeply and flawed our society is. We have to idolise those whose actions of moral valour momentarily lifts us from the morass of corruption, the mother and father of our hunger and disease.