The royals finally made their maiden trip to their former territories and Kenya has been privileged to be the first recipient of this honor.
As is custom in Africa, a guest is always welcomed with pomp and flair that is not replete with heaps of praise. Of course, the same is done in the hopes of getting something in return.
So, what is this something you ask? Well money dummy. The paper is King on these streets. And shamelessly so.
For decades, various communities have been agitating for reparations. From Mau Mau freedom fighters or at least their remnants to the latest entrants of the Nandi community.
Their claims are often quite similar to the common thread being apology for the mistreatment meted by their colonial masters as well as compensation for loss of lives, property and displacement to pave way for white settlement.
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Expectations after Royals Visit
So high are the expectations that a local daily recently reported that some local leaders of the Nandi community had met with the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (being the son of the Mau Mau) and requested that he intercede for them in their claim for Ksh150 billion in the presence of their governor.
They further expressed optimism that the same would go through despite the government’s stellar record in breaking promises.
Whether the same goes through or not is probable. However, one thing is clear, the excitement was palpable, perhaps even more than reasonable.
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And with great expectation comes the possibility of equally great disappointment. And should this be the case, well, emotions are bound to run high.
However, in true Kenyan spirit of indomitableness, the people shall move on like they always have.
In the unlikely event that some of the ‘claims’ are considered, then perhaps the people can feel relieved at least in knowing their pockets shall be flush with cash at least in the short term before the next tax increment.
As the Swahili say, ‘mgeni kuja mwenyeji apone.’ We can only hope that through the royal visit, Kenyans albeit some may be economically uplifted.
The writer, Francis Mwaura Muroki, is an Advocate and Counselling Psychologist. Email: mwaurafmuroki@yahoo.com