This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Published on June 18, 2020, by GICHU KIHORO
There is an old Ethiopian proverb that says, “There is no cure for him who hides an illness.” This statement can be interpreted in many ways, but to me, it means that when we hide the source of our problems, we cannot expect to find a solution.
Just like a sick person needs to describe their symptoms to a doctor to get the right medicine, a nation needs to acknowledge its problems to find a cure. The coronavirus pandemic has led us to reflect on medical care in Kenya, but it has also given us a chance to think about other issues affecting our society.
While Kenya has been fortunate to keep the number of Covid-19 cases low, we have been struggling with a lack of unity that threatens our wellbeing as a nation. This lack of unity has historically contributed to a lack of trust and an inability to move forward.
However, with the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), we have taken the first step towards healing. The BBI process, which began two years ago with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga shaking hands, has changed the way we approach politics in Kenya.
Instead of focusing on power and holding onto it, we are now recognizing the importance of serving the people who elected us. The BBI has given us a comprehensive plan to address our problems and make real, lasting changes for our future.
By listening to the grievances of the people, the BBI has provided a framework for change that is representative of everyone's needs. This is why leaders across the political spectrum have shown widespread support for the initiative.
Ultimately, we must have faith that our elected officials want to help our country. The BBI framework gives them the opportunity to do just that, and it is up to us to support them in their efforts to heal our nation.
