Let’s live up to shujaas vision for the country
Today, Kenyans mark the 56th Mashujaa Day in honour of all selfless citizens— those who sacrificed their lives and many others who played a significant role in the collective struggle to free the country from the shackles of colonialism.
Until the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, this special moment of reflection, honour and pride in the county’s history was celebrated as Kenyatta Day to especially remember the Kapenguria Six; Bildad Kagia, Kungu Karumba, Fred Kubai, Paul Ngei and Achieng Oneko, who were arrested and detained in 1952 for being the leaders of the Mau Mau, the movement that waged armed struggle against the British rule.
But now with the day aptly renamed Mashujaa, it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of all patriotic citizens who rose up against all manner of colonial subjugation; racial, political and economic in their own land.
By taking the fete to the counties, it is a recognition of the fact the fight for freedom was a collective effort of all communities and regions. This accords a chance to all Kenyans to not only honour national, but local heroes who have excelled in all spheres; sports, innovation, socio-economic and political.
This year’s fete whose theme is; Nchi yangu, jukumu langu, mimi ni shujaa ( my country, my responsibility, I am a hero) is in Mombasa county, the home of freedom of heroine Mekatilili wa Menza and heroes Ronald Ngala, Chibule wa Tsuma, Mwachegu wa Mwachofi and Sharif Nassir, among others.
As we mark this day, the big question remains; have we lived and honoured the ideals of the gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their comfort and lives for our freedom?
Yes and no. Yes, because we, too, charge of our political and economic destiny— on this, the collective efforts of Kenyans led by the respective governments have fought illiteracy, disease and poverty. Though the journey is tough, it is on course.
On the other hand, the unity and patriotism that they fought for has continued to be elusive. To rediscover these ideals, the war on corruption, negative ethnicity, gender discrimination, spiralling unemployment and economic slowdown will have to redoubled. And then can we say, the sacrifices of the heroes who were remember, honour today will not be in vain.
Yet today, irrespective of the challenges, we are all shujaas. Let’s celebrate our nationhood.
