'Sins' of my community: burden of the 24 years before 2003 polls

Former President Daniel Arap Moi raises his baton to salute Kenyans during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 1997. [Reuters]

There was silent indignation when in an anguished attempt to explain to his Central Kenya backyard why he had thrown his deputy William Ruto under the bus, President Uhuru Kenyatta unwittingly disparaged the Kalenjin community as poor managers of the economy.

President Kenyatta’s comment at Sagana III was not the first one. He just said what others say in low tones behind walls mostly about those who don’t talk, look and eat what others eat; part of the prevalent mendacious cancel culture.

Aside from erroneously referring to all of us as Nandis from Bomet and Kericho and Eldoret, there are numerous other misconceptions thrown around about the Kalenjin that invariably feeds into the deluge of “negative campaigning” and the patronizing tone of commentary from the Chattering Classes.