The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Today, August 22, marks 46 years since Mzee Jomo Kenyatta passed away.
Mzee was known for his toughness, yet even he could not escape the inevitability of death. Death, after all, even claimed the Son of God before miraculously resurrecting him.
It has been nearly half a century since Mzee’s departure, and those born around 1978 are now showing signs of aging.
Much has changed since Mzee’s time. For example, Busaa, which was legal during his presidency, is no longer allowed.
If Mzee were to return today, his first stop would likely be Eldoret to witness firsthand the creation of a statue that missed the mark. In 1969, he commissioned British sculptor James Butler to create a 12-foot statue of himself, which now stands outside Parliament—a true reflection of his vision.
Next, Mzee would visit Central Kenya to see the vast coffee plantations, only to find them diminished.
He might hear complaints about faceless cartels and request a meeting with them. However, they would likely avoid him, prompting him to seek an audience with the nation—only to find that today’s discourse takes place on social media platforms like X, where even the President is subject to harsh criticism. This would undoubtedly infuriate him.
Mzee would be told that today’s younger generation—GNZs—are savvy, educated, and adept at using modern technology, including mobile phones. These GNZs understand their rights and might even storm Parliament for a photo op with imported rice. Mzee would be shocked.
He would learn that today’s youth dress differently, communicate in English, and have even created their own language, Shembeteng, which astounds their parents.
Furthermore, he would discover that modern women pay their own dowries and even circumcise their sons. He would be bewildered by how much has changed.
Back in the 1970s, Kenya had one of the world’s highest fertility rates, attributed to a strong economy, favorable climate, and accessible essentials like food and healthcare. Children then were content with simple foods and early bedtimes.
Today’s children are more rights-aware, watch TV extensively, eat fast food, and play games on mobile phones.
If Mzee arrived in August, it would coincide with university admissions for first-year students. He would inquire about “Boom money”—the buttered bread enjoyed by students in the 1970s—only to learn it has become a thing of the past.
Mzee might reflect on the 1963 airlifts that sent over 750 East African students to the U.S., including Obama’s father. He would be pleased to hear that Barack Obama became President of the United States.
However, he would also learn that recent attempts to replicate the airlifts ended poorly, with substantial funds disappearing and GNZs intervening.
Mzee would be dismayed to hear about the decline of several industries: pyrethrum in Nakuru, cotton in Nyanza and Western Kenya, fishing, wool production, and blanket manufacturing. The struggles of tobacco and sugarcane farming, and the closure of Pan Paper and sisal farms would further trouble him.
