NDERITU: It’s not your neighbour; it’s the politician’s interests at play
Divisive politicians have a good understanding of how consequential early socialisation on belonging to an ethnic identity is. Why are politicians who thrive on division able to pursue self-interest so openly, so blatantly? PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya has been talking all week about a song, Wajinga Nyinyi, translated into “You Fools.” King Kaka, the singer, provides a running commentary on social ills he feels affects the country.
How do politicians succeed in getting otherwise right-thinking Kenyans to remember their neighbour belongs to, for example, Luo or Kikuyu ethnic community during elections, Kaka asks? “Ata salamu hatapata, piga tu kura na utalala bila kula.” When translated Kaka implies: The neighbour will get nothing, not even greetings in the election period and after voting all will sleep hungry.
