Are words we spill
But memories are fresh
The wound still flares
Three words cross my mind: Post Election Violence!
A manifest of what Kenyan’s were capable of
A manifest of the Kenyan worst case scenario
A manifest of Kenyan hate for one another
A manifest that will forever engrave the hearts of those who lost their loved ones
Forgive, heal
Police brutality when issues went out of hand
Politicians preaching tribal hatred in their backyards
While they wined and dined with their rivals in the night of days
Politicians buying idol youths to attack, kill, destroy…
While they sit aside and watch with eager pride
Their achievements in separating a people
Their achievements in using the elections as a vehicle for tribalism
Their achievements for having so much money to stir trouble
Their achievements for displacing thousands of families
Forgive, heal
While tribe is a constant reminder of how Kenyan one is
Forgive and heal
While families lost their breadwinners
Forgive, heal
While the displaced starve in camps
Forgive and heal
While the very leaders that caused this melee go about their business, as if nothing really happened
Forgive, heal
While businesses were destroyed, supermarkets were looted
Forgive and heal
What about the innocent women and children that got raped? Worse still killed?
Forgive, heal
What about the men butchered to death at the full view of their loved ones?
Forgive and heal
Trauma? Broken dreams? Helpless dying Kenyans lying around for days, no medical care
Bodies of the dead colored pathways and streets for days….unattended
Forgive, heal
How many people lost their jobs for being the ‘unwanted tribe?’
What about small trade farmers?
They were sent out of their ancestral land
What about small scale business men?
Most were left with nowhere to start…they beg on the streets
Forgive? Heal?
Truth is
We have not started healing
Truth is
There is no reverse gear
Truth is
The leaders elected don’t care
It was all political gimmick….a game only “they” know too well!
Truth is
Now we know better
Forgive? Heal?
Ha! What?
I wish actions could speak louder than these words….
The post-election violence was terrible. However, your blog, and your writing is great! I have also added your blog to Stian's and my blog ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Ashild,
ReplyDeleteThe Post Election Violence is not a boat that will just sail away...it is a painful memory that will take a long long time to erase. Thank you very much for making time to visit this poetic room and make comments that are very much appreciated!
Time will heal us, but we also need justice for the victims.
ReplyDelete