This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Published on August 20, 2019, a writer expressed concern over the moral decay in Kenyan society, where people have become desensitized to issues of national importance.
With democracy in place, one would expect a certain level of maturity and respect for the next generation. However, the writer notes that attitudes and certain aspects make Kenya different from other countries.
The writer's opinion may sound didactic, but they intend to be as truthful as possible. It is disheartening to think about how people are shocked by honesty and not deceit.
The moral untidiness that has engulfed our society is heartbreaking. When we see people lowering themselves to discuss their personal exploits on social media without feeling any shame, it shows the levels of insanity we have as Kenyans.
As a country, we have become experts at underestimating our issues through memes and jokes. We have found solace in pretence and acting as if nothing serious is happening.
Recently, a story about a young girl and her manager trended on Twitter, but the conversation lacked sobriety. It was sad to see people lowering their standards just to prove a point.
Individuals who lacked decency and taste in their discussion points were also witnessed. Two leaders, considered to be 'the voice of the voiceless,' aired their dirty linen in public and dragged Kenyans into their native vulgarity.
As a result, we became victims of aberration and forgot about the real issues affecting the common mwananchi.
The Kenya Film Classification Board has the mandate to examine and classify films meant for public exhibition to conform to national aspirations, moral standards, and protect children while allowing more choice for adults.
However, the amount of vulgarity in our songs and culture takes me aback, as we have encouraged it and let it slide. Back then, it was quite clandestine, but thanks to social media, nothing is concealed anymore.
Now, musicians and artists are appreciated more when they sing or dance explicitly. We might not immediately see the damages we are causing with such activities in our country.
But slowly, we are losing the moral fabric we have as a country and creating a disaster. Kenya is slowly falling into a socially impaired nation, full of depressed people.
The generation looking up to us will see no need of having a moral fabric since it was destroyed by the few seeking moral liberation.
— Valerie Odhiambo, Nairobi
