Kaluma and 'KJ' are smart in their own ways

TV series 'Game of Thrones' was an apt depiction of raw power and its impact on society.

It blended political loyalty and moral ambiguity in a rare scale, perhaps only comparable to George Orwell's Animal Farm, popular as 'Shamba la Wanyama.'

In one episode of the US chartbuster, a character called Tyrion Lannister poses one profound question: What unites a people? Are they powerful armies, gods or flags? He concludes that nothing can ever be more unifying than a good story.

Lannister then theorised that no enemy or army, however mighty, can defeat a story well told. Whatever its tone, whoever is the hero or villain, a well told story of a people has the ability to unite. From stories, nations get their identity.

In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame freely discusses the 1994 genocide story. He often says history written in blood can never be erased.

Every year during Kwibuka, Rwandans gather to reflect on the injustices against the Tutsis and their transformation from a doomed nation to a thriving land of a thousand hills. Rwanda is today East Africa's Singapore.

In Kenya, stories of colonial resistance are shared with pride. They celebrate our unity. Every December 12, we mark Jamhuri (Independence) Day.

Without telling the horrid stories of colonialism, how else would today's youth know of the Mau Mau's struggles against British rule? How about the infamous Lancaster conference, and who was Dedan Kimathi?

Fulfillment, closure and positive change can come from painful experiences.

The 2008 poll violence nearly tore us apart, yet it led to bold electoral reforms and adoption of the progressive 2010 Constitution.

You recall the work of Judge Kriegler? In South Africa, apartheid and its aftermath were a serious eye-opener. We all remember Nelson Mandela and his role.

Even slavery and slave trade across the Atlantic was painful but lessons came out of it. Some nations were literally built by slaves. History is sweet, they say.

Something else to ponder is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It was a tragic event in Golgotha that, in Christian belief, gave rise to rebirth and salvation. A story of darkness led to hope.

There are many sad stories that brought positive change. This is why the rage over BBC's 'Blood Parliament' documentary on the June 2024 Gen-Z protests is misplaced. Rather than attacking the documentary, we should focus on the story, and make it an inspiration for Kenya's progress.

Those attacking the BBC are fighting the messenger instead of engaging with the message.

While everyone has their way of processing the truth, it is disgraceful when Homa Bay Town lawmaker Peter Kaluma, Dagoretti South's John Kiarie and a few others claim the BBC is inciting citizens against Kenya Kwanza. To whose gain?

Then there's another MP with zero name recognition who claims 'people get killed all the time all over the world' and that we should get over Gen-Z deaths. By calling for cancellation of the BBC's licence, these MPs don't understand the media's role in democracy. Mr Kaluma and KJ's case is curious. They elicit fear that going through formal education can be an expensive waste of time.

Their attitude towards the media proves they are 'geniuses' of the Zinjanthropus era. Indeed, we find ourselves in another 'garbage in, garbage out' situation.

For the Homa Bay Town MP, his rhetoric on X blurs the line between mature political discourse and mediocrity.

When he's not disparaging Mt Kenya region, he speaks for the Luo community on political issues. How low can this be for a blabbermouth who claims to be a lawyer!

For the record, suppressing the media will not serve Wanjiku. Kenyans must be allowed to interact with their stories. Media haters have no right to censure our history.

Moreover, President William Ruto is a progressive leader who can't be defined by elements seeking attention through controversy.

'Game of thrones' guided us well on the power of storytelling. We must tell Kenya's stories through the years.