Are Western Ideals Failing in Africa?

Al-shabaab Militia: photo from www.jihadwatch.org

 Policy makers in the West have for a long time concluded democracy, capitalism and expanded social freedoms are good and acceptable, not only for western societies, but for the world as a whole. While this might seem good on the surface, a deeper analysis shows that, in the face of other social dynamics, this might be creating more problems than benefits in other societies – this is especially true in most African societies, where true democracy, human rights, freedom and liberty for all remain unfeasible, and more so in economic sense.   

Many African societies are finding themselves in a tight spot by either being consumers or partners in western thought or western ways of doing business. Wars, terrorism, senseless murders and maiming, rapes, corruption, crime, sodomy, ethnic intolerance, just to mention a few, are increasing as a backlash or collaterals of adopting popular western ideals (social norms, capitalism, democracy, Liberalism, Freedoms, human rights, etc).

Liberty and Liberal

Liberty is defined as “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views”.  It can also be defined as the “power or scope to act as one pleases”.

The term “liberty” is closely linked to another – liberal.  Which is generally defined as the state of “being open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values”.  A contextual combination of the two would mean that people should be left to act as they will, even if their actions are not morally, religiously or culturally right. Right?

Human Rights

Human rights is defined as “right that justifiably belongs to every person.” This partly includes what a government owes to its people such as security, access to clean water, food, healthcare, and other facilities. This is another area where the west has emphasized before doing business with other, mostly poverty stricken societies.

Without wasting any more time I will argue a few points here as to show why the western model, from democracy to liberalism are failing elsewhere. 

Freedom Vs socio-economic status

In advocating for social freedoms such as the freedom of expression and all, one must really take into account several dynamics, most importantly the socioeconomic status of the society. A case in point is when Kenyan’s voted out the oppressive KANU regime and ushered in a new government that rapidly expanded basic freedoms (under the West's guidance) to a level that Kenyans were unprepared for. Even the political leaders who spearheaded the process didn't understand the level of responsibility that comes with such expanded freedoms. The freedom of expression was abused leading to careless, tribal remarks from leaders across the political divide, and this massively contributed to the post-election violence that followed.

This implies that as much leaders can invoke their freedom of speech to say what they want, they should take caution when talking to a poverty-stricken audience that is suffering from a host of other social problems.

On a rather interesting note.  The United States has unemployment rate of 5.8% as of October 2014. The US with its tiny 5.8% unemployment is continually faced with threats to its social order and the government is always at pains to explain what it’s doing to create more jobs.  What if the figures rose to only 10%? Well, cognizant of the threat, the United States has invested hugely in security and intelligence to keep its liberty-enjoying population on the right side of the law. In contrast, a country like Kenya has unemployment rate of 40% and has a very small and not-so-well equipped police force. But expanding freedoms is always a precondition before the US and other Western nations can agree to do business. A society with 40% unemployment rate is fragile by any definition. When the tribal politicians (better known as war-lords) decide to take advantage of the expanded freedom and talk as they will, who will rescue us from tribal animosity? We have not invested in internal security and Intelligence like the US – we simply do not have the financial resources to maintain a police force that keeps a close eye on every free citizen, and more so on the rogue leader. There is sense in limiting what various leaders should say to a population devastated by poverty, disease, insecurity, crime, and ignorance. 

Liberalism, cultural and religious alienation – more chaos

The West has embraced liberalism or “broadmindedness” with both hands and have good experience with it. Therefore, Western policy makers feel that these should be emulated in other societies. For example, Not so long ago, several Western countries threatened to cut business links and aid to Uganda after the latter's parliament passed a controversial bill that was regarded by the west to be too harsh for homosexuals. In reference to human rights, liberal thought and other freedoms, the West feels that Homosexuals should be allowed to freely exist with others, irrespective of the dominant cultural and religious values in the society. In the African context, homosexual fiercely condemned from a moral perspective. Economic sanctions, cutting aid, and other threats have made many non-western countries to relax their laws and allow practices that are unacceptable from both religious and cultural positions. 

I want to argue here that forcing practices that are culturally unsound to a people creates cultural-alienation, resulting in a more chaotic society.  For instance, the liberal thought borrowed from western countries has made many Africans to look at their cultures as a backward thing. This means that lesser people have refer to cultural or religious values in reinforcing their behaviors.You tell a child its wrong to kill an innocent person because it's against the law, but you don't underpin that in culture or religion.
I know of two guys who were shot dead in Nairobi just because a criminal felt that their laptops were more important to him than the lives of these two fellows. We are now witnessing cases where young girls are raped and then murdered; women are stripped for wearing short skirts; and petty criminals are lynched by the public.  Many people no longer understand the difference between right and wrong, and this can be blamed on cultural and religious alienation, which can further be blamed on western push for liberalism, freedoms, and “human rights”.

When you engineer a process that gradually leads to alienation from basic belief systems that guide behavior in a society, what you are doing is creating a chaotic society.  It’s the society and its belief systems that differentiate humans from animals. Taking away the belief systems makes humans to act like animals.

Someone might say that, rather than religion, it is resistance to pressure from western norms and values that has given rise to terrorism.

To be continued…… Next section, Capitalism, poverty and corruption 

By: Sheriff Mako On Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Continue Reading

Affluent Parts of Nairobi breed Criminals and Drug Addicts Too

Wasted Youth

Those lucky enough to live in affluent parts of Nairobi must be aware of the rising number of criminals born and raised in those areas. In fact, a good percentage of the Gun-wielding criminals who subject hard working Kenyans to mindless carjacking are youths from wealthy backgrounds.  The most notorious criminal-breeding affluent estates are to be found bordering slums.

A case in point – Kijiji, Langata

There is this notorious “Kijiji”, a slum or informal settlement located right in the heart of Langata, and sandwiched between Southlands, Akiba, Onyonka, Park, among other estates. The Kijiji’s economy is sustained by these estates – Workshops, Car repairs, Bars, Cafes, Groceries, Jaba points, Busaa and Miti dens, cheap casual labor, touts, peddlers, pickpockets, etc. There are so many bars on Kitengela road (doesn’t lead to Kitengela), which separates most of these estates and the Kijiji. The area along the road stretching from Park Estate to Southlands has the highest concentration of Bars and drunkards in Langata, if not Nairobi.

 These bars are the meeting points for all youth (males and females), both from the affluent estates and the poor Kijiji. They both abuse alcohol and cigarettes like no one’s business – rarely drinking beer and always preferring to buy one bottle of spirit such as Jebel, Meakins, or Konyagi and sharing it among many friends who can number up to 10. They both smoke weed like nobody’s business, occasionally leaving the bars in groups to go a take a puff in the meandering paths of the Kijiji, away from any patrolling police. They all drink illicit brews in the morning when they are broke and hangovered or during Mututho hours when some of the cheap-liquor bars are closed. A good number of those from affluent estates abuse prescription drugs, and many other illegal substances commonly referred to as “Matembe” and “Maunga”. Many have made endless trips to Mathare and other rehabilitation centers in the city.  It’s always sad to see one relapsing after months of rehabilitation and some period of normal life.

The addicted ones have visible mental problems (very unkempt, red-eyed, many scars, sometimes talking to themselves). Some of the substance-addicted are from affluent families and are very well educated by the way. Yes, some have practiced for one or two years as lawyers, even medics. Others have even studied abroad. The most you see loitering here every now and then had become real problems to their parents, inevitably severing relations and being forced to relocate to the Kijiji.

Some are involved in petty criminal activities to keep alcohol and drugs flowing. For example, if you get too drunk here, you will be lucky to leave with your phone and wallet. All other crimes that are typical to this kind of settlement are present – occasional rapes, muggings, gang-fights.

 Some in their 30 or even 40s have been left to themselves after their parents sold or rented houses and relocated to their rural areas.  

Surprisingly, many of the drug and alcohol addicted fellows here are very kind to one another, always helping a friend (whether from slum or estate) – the reason why a glass passes from one mouth to another until its empty. Some are cry-babies and will shed tears at the slightest provocation.

When you go to these bars you will be shocked by the high number of visibly useless, drug-addicted non-job fit youth. The kind of people who just drop down like a sack and sleep where they are. You will think that most of these people have been born and raised in the Kijiji, until someone whispers to you “this guy was born and raised in Southlands, has studied abroad and is a qualified lawyer, the problem is he just can’t stay away from drugs and alcohol, and is now frustrated and hopeless.”

Sadly, some have got to the point of being killed in shootouts with the police, in most cases while trying to carjack motorists in Downtown Nairobi.

What has changed?

For a very longtime the society, both here and elsewhere, has almost always associated poverty with crime. The perception has been that you are many times likely to be robbed if you walked through a slum compared to affluent parts of the city – this is still true though.  While studies have repeatedly shown that children raised in poverty are generally at risk of developing social, emotional, stress, and behavioral problems, newer findings show that those from wealthy backgrounds are exposed to certain risks as well. Youth at the other end of the socioeconomic spectrum are being faced with a number of challenges that are driving them to crime and other social problems.

A study conducted in the UK revealed that children growing in wealthy backgrounds are twice likely to develop mental issues compared to less affluent ones. Scientists have found that major levels of neuroses that lead to criminal behavior, drug abuse, and eating disorders are common in children from well-off families.  This is apparently due to pushy parents who put so much pressure on their kids in a bid to ensure they succeed in life.  Children who find this to be unbearable are likely to experience mental problems and turn to drugs and violence. There are many other contributing factors.

Harsh reality

This is the harsh reality that Nairobi parents who have worked hard to give their children the best are waking up to. Most people will agree that there is so much alcohol, drugs, skimpy-dressing, and sex in popular events which are commonly attended by youth from wealthy backgrounds. Remember Masaku Sevens? Some of these kids end up being addicts, their parents give up on them, forcing them to turn to crime. It’s also very hard for a person who has lived a wealthy lifestyle as a child to later lead a humble kijiji life.  Most will tend to use any means possible to keep in touch with their childhood lifestyles.

Eradication of poverty will reduce crime and drug abuse?

Policy makers have concentrated on identifying means of eradicating poverty in order to improve living standards and, by extension, reduce crime rates and substance abuse. If the findings above are anything to go by, then more measures will be required to stop youths from frustrations, drug abuse, and even crime.

By: Sheriff Mako On Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Continue Reading

The Stripping of Women in Kenya Points to a Bigger Social Problem

Skimpy dressed women

Kenya News -- A Nairobi lady was stripped naked by touts for covering herself with little cloth (there is a video to that effect, it’s online, and a link should be somewhere on this page). She wasn't even dressed that skimpy -- she was wearing a miniskirt, exposing just a bit of her thighs. Other parts of her body were decently covered.

Pointer to a bigger social problem? 

The people who stripped her are the usual self-destructed, substance-abusing hopeless idlers. An ignorant lot who can't find an easier job than the unruly touting that has given the Matatu business its bad name. These people make up the majority of people in Bus Stations and other places and tend to act with a lot of impunity. They punished her with their frustrations I guess!

 Her ordeal was video-recorded by a bystander and the video sadly shows how the lady cried for mercy to no avail.

Time to make noise? 

It's not hard to sympathize with the lady and, as expected, the incident has attracted widespread condemnation from members of the public, the clergy, the political class, the media, and the self-appointed "human rights" activists, who, to be honest, are forever preoccupied with activities to push for their own economic rights. It’s God-sent that most categories of people in the above list made noise – what an opportunity to be seen to be working.

 On a rather serious note, the unfortunate event brought to the fore the harsh realities of a society that is experiencing unprecedented levels of moral decay: discussions revolving around the recent unmasking of the daring “seed” miracle conspiracy haven’t died out, neither have those relating to the self-confessed Naivasha human “vampire”, and many others.

 Action time 

The long arm of the law has inevitably swung into action. The criminals whose faces appeared in the video are now subject to a first class police manhunt. We have no doubt that they will be “brought to book” (an obviously overused phrase). The police on this side of the universe, for understandable reasons, partly use their time and efforts conducting small but illicit economic activities. They expect citizens to behave themselves like grown people who don't need to be watched all the time. The police really hate being reminded of their policing responsibilities. In fact, any incident that draws nationwide condemnation and which seems to suggest that the police are sleeping on the job is always received with a stern knee-jerk reaction from the force. Culprits must pay dearly, they always do. They can't hide, they can't run --Kenya is too small for an angered police force. How many agree?

Is it wrong to dress like that?

 First, indecency in dressing is not generally encouraged in Kenya but there is increasing tolerance. For example, when you are going about your business in the CBD and a rainstorm is approaching (picture this), you’ll likely be treated to a spectacular scene of a high-heeled lady bolting across the street with half of her blessings sticking out in the wind. Confronted with such scenes, most of us just pretend to be minding our own businesses or do we? I think that’s the most civilized way to go about it. The most a skimpy-dressed woman can get from the "civilized" city dwellers are whispers, giggles, and well-intended praises from saliva-swallowing young men with broad smiles. In fact, young ladies are very happy with the attention they get and are tempted to show even more on their next CBD visit. They get motivated to continue copying “fashionable trends” from their more insane counterparts in the US and elsewhere. After all it’s sensible to reduce the amount of flesh covered when you think of some valid 21st century reasons. With climate change and everything, temperatures are just unbearable these days. And who expects a trendy 21st century young woman to walk around covered like a sheep that is being bred for wool?

Maybe its no big deal but be cautious  

And you know what? No one is really supposed to care about the "annoying" habit.  Parents and siblings don't like their own exposing too much. This is liberal world. Even when so many people think how you dress is their business, you will always find a place for whatever level of nakedness you want to don. Do it there please if you have to because you don't know what may happen to you. For example, no one will or is supposed to ask you any questions if they caught you busting a Miley Cyrus move in your full birth suit but in the comfort of your private room. In such a scenerio you are the one to demand answers.

 Ladies should be careful with where they walk with their very partially covered bodies. Some busy parts of Nairobi like Muthurwa and Machakos Bus Terminus are clearly hostile. Places that are highly concentrated with non-job fit, shilling-seeking, frustrated young men should not be in the path of anyone who is overly attracting attention and curiosity. Any sane person walking in these areas have their sixth sense high on alert. With their mob-mentality, the idle, substance-abusing youth will pathologically tend to feel “irritated” and there is a high chance they won’t take such provocations lying down. Of course, in reality, a huge proportion of their anger and frustration is due to the apparent self-projected inability to have a "decent" woman (read the victim) in their lives. Is it true that no woman dares to seek happiness in the unkempt, substance-abusing early childhood-school dropouts? When they strip a woman, to me it appears like they just want to see more, but have a zero chance of achieving that through proper and civilized means and so they force it. It’s not like they don’t like what they seeing. Hell no! They like it very much.

Any Lessons from the incident? 

 From a concerned citizen’s perspective, the increased culture of lawlessness by thousands of idle youth in the city and elsewhere in the country is reason for law-makers and implementers to worry. These are the same people who seize any opportunity to cause mayhem, loot, and indulge in lots of other dark acts, causing untold suffering to people who actually work hard to make something for themselves and give this country a good name. The unruly bad youth really give us a bad name.
Here is the video

Note: I here another grown woman was stripped today (11/17/2014)

Another lady stripped

By: Sheriff Mako On Monday, November 17, 2014

Continue Reading