What clan do I belong to? Who cares? These were the questions I asked myself at 18 when filling out my national ID application. Yet, how do we escape the grip of tribalism when it is so deeply entrenched in the institutions and systems inherited from our colonial past? To find answers, perhaps we need to revisit the origins of these systems.
The British Empire’s rule in 19th-century India offers some parallels. India, the empire’s crown jewel, presented immense challenges in governance due to its diversity. The British implemented indirect rule through native princes, promoting a semblance of harmony that was largely color-blind. Yet, beneath this harmony lay economic exploitation, with Indian resources financing British life. This delicate coexistence unraveled in 1857 during the Great Mutiny, marked by the Bibighar massacre, where innocent British women and children were killed. The event triggered deep-seated segregation, racial prejudice, and stereotyping within Anglo-Indian society. These imperialistic habits, justified by the era’s Darwinism, spread across the empire.
The ideological clash between Winston Churchill and Mahatma Gandhi further underscores the complexities of imperialism. Churchill, rooted in Social Darwinism, saw Britain’s mission as civilizing the “barbarian.” Gandhi, influenced by London’s New Age movement, found inspiration in egalitarianism and universal love. Both men shaped modern political thought—Churchill through colonialism and Gandhi through non-violence and civil disobedience. Their legacies remind us how colonial attitudes continue to ripple through societies worldwide.
Kenya’s post-independence history reflects these colonial hangovers. The tribal composition of KADU and KANU revealed fears of domination and survival instincts—a framework resembling Social Darwinism. Tribalism, with its prejudice, stereotyping, and classification, mirrors the imperialist tools used to divide and conquer. The 2007 post-election violence highlighted how deeply entrenched these patterns remain, rooted in our fight for resources and leadership.
Fast forward to June 2024, when Nairobi witnessed the unprecedented Gen Z riots. Young people took to the streets, voicing their frustration over unemployment, inadequate representation, and the perceived failure of leadership to address their needs. This unrest was more than just youthful rebellion—it was a stark reminder that Kenya’s future lies in redefining its identity to resonate with a generation unencumbered by the colonial past but deeply dissatisfied with the present. Their cry for inclusion, equity, and opportunity underscores the urgent need to align national priorities with the aspirations of the younger population.
These riots also coincided with significant global shifts, as nations worldwide grapple with rising nationalism, shifting governance models, and a growing distrust in traditional political systems. In such a context, Kenya must rethink its national image. Nationalism cannot be tribalism by another name. It must embrace inclusivity, unifying diverse identities into a shared purpose that resonates across generations.
To redefine our national identity in this rapidly evolving world, we must focus on three key pillars:
- Youth Inclusion: Address the grievances of Gen Z by creating platforms for participation in governance, meaningful employment opportunities, and space for creative expression. The energy of this generation is a resource waiting to be harnessed.
- Narrative of Unity: Move beyond tribal affiliations to foster a collective Kenyan identity. This requires a deliberate focus on civic education, cultural integration, and creating narratives that celebrate shared achievements and common goals.
- Global Perspective: As nationalism rises globally, Kenya must adopt a progressive form of patriotism—one that embraces local heritage while positioning itself as a forward-thinking player on the global stage.
Even figures like Gandhi realized that when human rights fail, an alternative route must be forged—one grounded in collective love, labor, and truth. Kenya must do the same, redefining itself not just as a nation of tribes but as a unified force ready to meet the challenges of a globalized and interconnected world. Only by reimagining our national ethos can we turn the frustration of riots into the foundation of a stronger, inclusive future.
