We are not yet independent

On Thursday, Kenya marked 54 years of independence, and celebrations were marked countrywide by leaders and people from all walks of life. Granted, Kenya has achieved a lot since it attained internal self-rule in 1963.

 However, we need to truly ponder what we are celebrating, even as we take stock of our achievements and note our misses. Our predecessors, majority of whom are already dead, fought together in unity for our country to gain independence. They fought united as one community to fight their common enemy, British colonialists.

In this light, it is unfortunate that we are currently divided along tribal lines; real boundaries that threatened to crush the very core and wellbeing our society.

 From this many vices have been born, including nepotism, tribalism and corruption. And today, Kenyans are reeling from inflation, aggravated by the adverse effects of high food prices. As a nation that should be celebrating a mature union we are disconnected like water and paraffin.

 It is now time to really embrace the popular slogan of Peace, Love and Unity if only to steer the county to greater heights. Joseph Macharia, Maasai Mara University.