White Kenyans building the nation as they remain out of public sight

Matt Evans (left) his father Martin, at their wheat farm in Rumuruti, Laikipia County. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Like much else in life, history, too, has two sides to it. Often, the warrior’s version of events differs greatly from the tale told by the hare during a fireside chat. Each dwells on triumph and none talks of defeat. Each has versions of great courage and none talks of fear. Each talks of happily-ever-after; none talks of tragedy and misfortune.

But all these come into play in the story of Kenya’s white population. Fortune and misfortune sit side by side, courage and fear co-exist, and tragedy and triumph afflict bloodlines in equal measure.