This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
Kenya's Crises Echo Ancient Roman Myth ¶
As Kenya struggles with corruption, white elephant projects, and unfulfilled promises, one ancient Roman myth seems to eerily depict the country's current state of crises.
Meet Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, and theatre, who shares a striking resemblance with Kenya's current predicament. His story, rooted in Greek mythology, tells of a god who embodies both liberation and chaos.
Bacchus' tale begins with his mother, Semele, a mortal who caught the eye of Jupiter, the king of the gods. Juno, Jupiter's wife, discovered their affair and, in a fit of rage, appeared to Semele as an old crone, questioning the paternity of her unborn child.
Tragically, Semele's doubts led to her downfall, and she was struck dead by Jupiter's divine glory. The baby Bacchus was cut from her womb and sewn onto Jupiter's thigh, only to be 'born' months later. Juno's curse drove Bacchus into madness, and he wandered the earth, spreading chaos and debauchery.
However, the goddess Cybele took pity on Bacchus and taught him the ways of the vine. He soon cultivated a following, and his intoxicating liquid released those who drank it from the restraints of their everyday lives, encouraging wanton disregard for the law and societal norms.
As we navigate Kenya's current crises, it's hard not to see the spirit of Bacchus at work. We need to wake up to the reality that all is not well and get out of our 'drunken stupor' to address the issues plaguing our nation.
