So National Cohesion and
Integration Commission has made good its threat by charging three Kikuyu
musicians (Kamande Wa Kioi, Muigai Wa Njoroge and John DeMathew) with
hate speech.
It appears the hitherto thin
line between creative art and hate speech has been erased. Those who
understand Kikuyu metaphors and mythology may beg to differ with the alleged
charge of inciting hatred between the Kikuyu and Luo communities.
Kenya is bigger than these
two tribes who have always generated more political heat between them with devatating/fatal
consequences.
Listening to the songs one
may get nothing more than the common stereotypes albeit ordered into lyrics. I
know people will be quick to remind us of Rwanda's Radio Miles and the
subsequent genocide.
To drive fear into Kenyans we will be reminded of the not-yet-healed PEV wounds and many raves. But art is better appreciated for its creativity and entertainment value.
The Hague Bound song may be
the most emotive with its lyrics posing questions about what to do if, for
example, someone takes you to The Hague or takes your wife or property. The
chorus reply "kill him" is so natural it may pass as tasteless.
All these years, Luos have
lived with the kihii tag. So it is therefore no heinous crime singing about
finishing the uncircumcised.
The courts are better left to
deal with more weighty litigation rather than engaging in criminal
interpretation of artistic works.
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