Me I Don't Want Anything To Do With Kenyans

By Mwakilishi | Sat, 10/11/2014 02:50AM -0400

Having lived in America for many years, I hear this often. Try inviting a fellow Kenyan to a Kenyan church, and the response is "me I don't want anything to with Kenyans." When pressed for reasons most will say vaguely that fellow diaspora Kenyans like to gossip, are jealous of them and are too nosey. Most like the anonymity of large American Churches where no one will notice whether or not you attend.
When faced with a tragedy, illness or immigration hold, these "me I don't want anything to with Kenyans" very quickly realize that the only people who rally to give them support are fellow Kenyans. American friends will give you a hug and tell you sorry for your loss. However the people contributing money, making tea, food and visiting you will be Kenyans. Most will contribute without personally knowing you. Kenyans may still gossip during the mashakaya in their mother tongue saying "look at her, where are those Americans now? Do you see how she's eating those mandazi's and the way she says she hates Kenyan food?" Gossip they may, but caring will be demonstrated by action.
Kenyans in the diaspora will be there for you in your time of need. Attend a Kenyan Church once in a while, join a Chama with others in your diaspora home towns, start a play group with other mothers, play golf to network. Let your children know other Kenyan children, so they can grow up with a sense of identity.
Enough of "me I don't want anything to do with Kenyans." Our new motto should be "me I love Kenyans." We also love America. That is why most of us are now Kenyan-Americans. We who are in the diaspora, especially in America, are blessed by the Kenyan spirit of lending a helping hand.
By Hannah Wanjiku, Orange County, California