Wanjiku Impunity

Impunity is one of the most (mis)used words in Kenyan lingo. Interestingly, the word seems to be synonymous with governance and politics. But come to think of it. Kenyans at the lowest of levels have perfected this vice and are the first ones to throw it around whenever their millions are stolen by the leaders they (s)elected.

I’m not trying to hold forte for thieving politicians and learned crooks. I do not give a rat’s behind if the thief is ball-less like one professor or a poet who preaches ‘mbas’ politics. They all deserve a special place in Kamiti pre-1987 or whichever year it was the hangman’s services became redundant.

On a Wanjiku (sic) level, however, the impunity manifested in our day to day activities would shame the drug dealers, rapists, murderers and extortionists that fart and snooze all day in that inAugust house along Parliament Road.

What would you call this prevalent behavior where I send you 200 shillings by mistake via Mpesa and you withdraw then switch of your phone? Impunity par excellence! Or instances where motorists think they ALWAYS have a right of way over pedestrians even in designated crossings?

The common thuggery in our hoods is not by the ruling elite (ok, maybe they do indirectly through lack of policy and frameworks to create jobs and keep young people off streets) but by people who in essence are in the same social class. Beggars stealing and killing beggars a few rungs above them in the lower end of the social ladder. Just wish they did that elsewhere..

Walk in the streets and drop a coin or Jah forbid, your mobile phone, only the rarest of souls will pick it up and hand it to you.

And yes, in the social media (that fad that has created this delusional all-powerful behemoth called KOT) tribal, gender, sexual and other chauvinists abound. Very quick to point out ills in the wider society but pushing the same in social media disguised as jokes and other trends. One could go on and on…..

One thing about Kenyans is that they complain loudest when they are victims but will quietly look on and look the other way if it’s their neighbor in problems. You actually get the feeling there is a silent wish they were the ones in positions of power to have a feel of the famed cake…

I’m writing this on stolen time and resources which is impunity in itself so I rest

Rastafari Bless!

(C)