IT'S FINE TO DINE WITH THE DEVIL

Our recent political history from the 1950s to the present is replete with bloodshed, shattered dreams, political intolerance, police brutality and chicanery. We shed blood in our effort to get the colonialist from of our backs, people died due to high handiness and political interference by Moi and Kenyatta regimes. Detentions without trial almost turned this country into a Gestapo state when any political dissent was met with harassment and brutality. There were shattered hopes and dreams when Mzee Jomo Kenyatta neglected the freedom fighters and instead worked with those who collaborated with the colonialists. The country that had very high expectations in 1963 almost went to the dogs after the 2007 general elections when many people either died or became internal refugees due to competing political interests of our leaders. That's all water under the bridge now as we look forward to celebrating the first Mashujaa Day (formerly Kenyatta Day) next Wednesday on 20th October which has come about due to the new constitution. The Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and some of our current leaders have a lot to share particularly in regard to political incarceration that they suffered due to their political beliefs and love for political freedom of the majority. However, it's nice to see them now sitting in the same cabinet with their tormentors for the sake of our country. I believe we all suffer from sins of omission and commission which sometimes may contribute to the suffering of others. This is the reason why none of us can be brave enough to cast the biblical first stone in this life. Therefore, as we prepare to celebrate the first Mashujaa Day, let's embrace one another and look for the higher calling of forgiveness. Let's prepare to share a meal with our archenemies on that day! It pays to dine even with the devil, after all!