On December 12, 1963, the Union Jack was lowered and Kenya's flag hoisted up in its stead to mark Kenya's independence from Britain at a ceremony held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
And as new Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta raised his trademark flywhisk in salute, the Kenya national anthem was sung for the first time, followed by an enthusiastic cheer from wananchi, thrilled by the prospect of independence and their release from the yoke of colonialism that had been a stranglehold for 69 years.
That event is commemorated every year as Jamhuri Day, while the anthem is sung at school parades and major national events with wananchi standing at attention.
Our great sporting nation has had this anthem sung at major global sporting events and time and again, we have watched our athletes - and ourselves - tear up when it is sung in their honour after winning gold medals. Hearing that anthem evokes powerful, even mystical emotions and a resounding sense of pride in our country.
It is not difficult to understand why. Music is the most powerful phenomenon created by humans. Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world, passed down from generation to generation.
It has the power to alter one's mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history.
At the national level, the anthem brings all citizens together, they stand together and sing together, it creates an environment of patriotism, the people feel like they have to do something for their nation.
A national anthem is a national symbol. A national anthem promotes nationalism and so national unity. A united people is a people with solidarity, strength and is able to sacrifice for the well-being of other people.
Nationalism is about national unity. In its purest sense, it is about uniting people who adhere to the same kind of national symbols, culture or institutions. The national anthem is a component (and often a strong one) in national unity. It is often about an external threat, which is often a binding factor.
Our anthem recognises God as a creator and implores the creator to bless Kenya. The idea that Kenyans ask God for blessings through the anthem must also be considered in the context of conditions for blessings. In major religions, blessings are predicated upon obedience to laws and commandments or practice of certain principles that include self-control, compassion for others and uprightness. Therefore, as Kenya seeks blessings, it must also understand the laws and principles upon which these blessings are centred.
The national anthem also sets the stage for the kind of society Kenyans seek to build and live in. "Justice be our shield and defender" sets a parameter for ethical living. A society that is ethical where justice is meted out in fairness, as a shield against corrupt practices and as a defender of rights.
The next two verses are a call to action. "Ee ndio wajibu wetu" means each Kenyan must recognise that they have a responsibility in building the nation and arise to work in unity with others regardless of their diverse backgrounds recognising that Kenya has the capability as a nation to develop if everyone, standing in their place and united as one did their bit. Firm may we stand to defend this motherland of splendour, it says.
Yet, while the anthem paints a picture of promise and hope, of loyalty and sacrifice, of rights and responsibilities, it is a fact that our human frailties, prejudices and corruption have caused grave injustices that have time and again threatened the ideals and the very foundation upon which Kenya stands.
It would appear that our political leadership, who always stand at the podium when the national anthem is sung, have never paused to internalise the words and the philosophy behind our anthem. Wananchi, on the other hand, merely seem to mouth the anthem, without taking into mind what it would mean if they and those who lead them lived true to the anthem.
The ceremonies that will follow after this election will not be different. We will hear the national anthem sung time and again. But will it mean anything?
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To those who will be sworn in after elections ought to study the national anthem. Study it seriously. Do not stand before Kenyans with feigned patriotism and humility for this national anthem is a song, a prayer and most of all, a call.
A call to stand up for a just society and a country where no child goes hungry because we dwell in peace, justice is our shield and defender, plenty is found within our borders and we stand strong and united to serve and defend the heritage of splendour in our homeland of Kenya.
- Evelyne Jepkemei, PhD, is an education policy and leadership expert.
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