By Jacktone Ambuka
As we celebrate 49 years since we, the Kenyan people established ourselves as an independent republic of Kenya, I am in a far country they call a land of opportunities.
As people shop and decorate for Christmas, it is evident, this culture revolves around consumerism. Surrounding atmosphere oozes out a picture perfect of civilization. They also call this country, a land of the free and a home of the brave-it’s the United States of America.
You don’t need to be told America is patriotic to herself. The flag is a sure evidence-it hangs along the roads, in the yards and on porches.
Yet even with the abundance America has to offer, there exists emotional deficiency inside of me. Emotions that whisper to me “you are not whole.” It is un-deniable; a piece that completes me is missing.
And then I realize the missing pieces are memories of my lovely country of Kenya. Even though am in a far land, a land of plenty; I carry my mother land of Kenya within me. Kenyan beckons with a smile that charms even the stiff-necked and brings inexplicable joy in my heart.
Kenya has cast a spell on me. It is a land where my father and mother live. I miss Kenya and her people. But above all, I love her. I tried to forget her. But the more I tried, the more I remembered.
She will always be in my heart. God bless Kenya and her people. I’ am proud to be a Kenyan.
Now I have a deep understanding and appreciation of the beauty of Kenya. Her beauty is simple, yet very elegant and fulfilling.
Like Mt. Kenya and Mt. Elgon Kenya will endure and stand forever as a city on the hill. The tranquility of Mombasa and Indian ocean on which sits ferries and ships is calming. Our own Nairobi, a city in the sun promises the sky shall be the limit.
As you head towards western through Naivasha, you are amazed by the sites of crossing zebras. The presence of the big five in Maasai Mara is our national heritage. Animals mingle and migrate in a line the world has defined as a wonder.
In one corner you see an elephant playing with her baby. In the other corner, you hear a lion growling-a sound that leaves you trembling with excitement. In the rift valley escarpment, you see a breath taking view that leaves you hypnotized. How can I forget my land of Kenya where my ancestors sleep?
Though our politics are broken, my faith in this land of Kenya endures forever. Though leaders fail me, my hope in a prosperous future is unwavering. How can I doubt Kenya? How can I doubt such a resilient people? Even in the face of poverty and economic difficulties, signs of prosperity are conspicuous everywhere.
The enemies of my beautiful Republic of Kenya shall be defeated and made our footstool. We shall arise in one accord and defeat enemies who wish us harm. Internal and external enemies shall not withstand our spears and shields.
Even tribalism, corruption, impunity, poor leadership and governance shall be defeated. May we stand in unity and scatter all our enemies in four winds. From a distance, I see Kenya becoming a land of plenty and a home of opportunities for all. Days are coming; we will neither look east nor west for help. Our sovereign God will be our help. For where else can our sure help come from?
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A silent voice tells me; someday I shall sing praises as Kenya becomes the lighthouse of Africa.
-Jacktone Ambuka lives in State College, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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