The best way to honour the fallen of duditD2 terror attack

Kenyans every now and then shock the world. Sometimes negatively, such as the horrific post-election violence of 2007/08.  But sometimes, we shock the world in such a manner which leaves us proud.  Proud of our individuality and our nationality. Proud of our civil society. Proud of our army. And recently, shocking for many, even proud of our government.

Since the horrific attack last week which took the lives of 21 innocent Kenyans, we have had a real chance to look at how we respond to similar disasters as a nation.  Do we take only mourning and despair? Or do we broaden our horizons and contextualise the event and subsequently, our reaction to it? As we bury the victims, many of us have taken a moment to reflect on what positives we can take from this terrible tragedy.

Stories of heroism

Admittedly, there are numerous stories of heroism and self-sacrifice.

Perhaps one of the most moving stories of the last week has been the story of the selfless six. Jeremiah Mbaria, Kelvin Gitonga, Ashford Kuria, Wilfred Kareithi, John Ndiritu, Denis Mwaniki who put their lives at risk to save scores of their colleagues.

The workers, from Cellulant an innovative fin-tech start-up which gives us young Kenyans both hope and pride, embody all that is positive about the Kenyan spirit.

A spirit of sacrifice, a spirit of selflessness. These young souls showed that good can shine in the face of even the most brutal form of darkness; the evil of terror.

We must build on this. We must ensure that we never surrender our values, even during the most difficult of times. Even when our very lives are being threatened.

Because it is these values which separate us from our enemies.

The values of openness and freedom, the values of togetherness and progress. If we are to descend into hate and fear, then we become no better than the terrorists themselves.

We must stamp down heavily on those who seek to undermine those values. Those who preach hate and division. Our leaders understand this, for we have been fighting the divisive politics of tribalism for generations.  Indeed, we should be grateful that we have a leader who has said no to tribalism.

When President Uhuru Kenyatta reached out and shook the hands of political nemesis Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, in one fell swoop he united Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo and Kamba. And for those who know our history, this is no easy feat. Perhaps since the days of independence - Kenya and its leaders- has never been so united. United in our dreams and aspirations for a free and prosperous Kenya. United in our support of the existential struggle on corruption.

Unity of purpose

And just as with the battle against corruption, unity of purpose will guarantee success in the fight against terror.  Publilius Syrus, a freed slave and Roman writer wrote some 2000 years ago that “where there is unity, there is always victory.” We must strive to be victorious.

President Kenyatta has loudly declared a unified war on terror. He instructed the police and local governments to work closely with “civil society groups and other religious leaders to ensure radicalised Kenyans and their radicalisers, who present a threat to our people, are quickly detected and dealt with severely.”  The message is loud and clear, this a battle for us all; from the classroom to the barracks.

This cannot be run from an ivory tower. This must be a grassroots fight. It must be fought from the bottom up. Together.

We must be united in both will and deed. When we see something suspicious report it. 

When we feel that a student or a colleague is susceptible to the powers of radicalization; step in, bring them back, consult your peers and the authorities that be.

If you’re in your place of worship, and you hear calls for hate, instead peace and love. Do not be silent. Speak out. For your country needs you now more than ever.

Kenya needs active, united Kenyans, who just like those heroes in the line of fire, are willing to stand up and do what is right for their people.

In fact, nothing could be more holy and fitting than honouring our fallen heroes of this tragic event with unity. A unity of purpose.

Standing tall, proud and united in the face of terror.

Mr Mokamba comments on social issues.