Five ‘stupid’ things that unite Kenyans

Kenya is one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of cultural and ethnic diversity, with a cultural diversity index of 0.8091 according to Erkan Gören’s study of 2013.

With over 40 ethnic tribes, Kenya is highly divided, especially on matters of politics but despite that, the people in most times have demonstrated a culture of unity in diversity from the most trivial matters to the most serious issues.

Away from politics, it would be hard to differentiate Kenyans based on their tribes, save for their surnames and accent when they speak.

Here are some “stupid” things that tend to bring Kenyans closer

• Leaked videos and photos

Ever heard of the phrase “Umeipata ama hauna connects?” (have you got it or you have no connections?) Well, if a Kenyan asks you this, just know that there is a leaked video clip, audio or photos, most probably of a steamy private affair. At this time, there is no Kikuyu, no Kalenjin, no Luo, no Kamba or other tribes. It is just the Kenyan tribe trying to get the “tea”. No one cares of your ethnicity at this moment. All they want is the leaked video, photos or audio. The only known language at this time is “nitumie kwa WhatsApp” (send me on WhatsApp), and if you don’t, chances are you are not connected to the “tea masters”.

• Memes

Just like there are “tea masters”, there are “meme lords” in Kenya. The meme lords will get or create the funniest memes and share them across social media apps not limited to Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp. For you to know if you are a meme lord, you’ll get frequent messages telling you “nitumie hii” (send me this). If you frequently get this message, be sure you have become a lord and not Lord Delamare, but the lord of smiles.

Memes in most cases, especially in Kenya are used to make people smile during tough moments when things are not working out. Kenyans unite to share the “gems” of smiling and laughing their problems out. At times, the memes border the tribal lines, but who cares when they make you laugh or smile.

But remember, you can also become a meme in case you are captured in a video or photo doing funny things.

• Fight for justice

When Kenyans decide to call for justice for just one person, trust me no one will care about your surname. It is justice or justice.

Every Twitter handle, Facebook account and page, Instagram account and WhatsApp status will sing one song, justice, regardless of their political affiliation or tribe.

You all can remember the recent case of a diplomat who was stripped by boda boda riders. It was Kenyans versus boda bodas until the government took action. In such an instance, you do not want to be on the receiving end of Kenyans’ wrath.

• Sherehe

We could have just said celebrations, but it does not suit the Kenyan culture. If a Kenyan tells you “kuna sherehe” (celebrations) trust me there is a lot of food, drinks and music. If you love the three, don’t miss out.

Kenyans can celebrate nothing, all they need is to think that they need to celebrate and bingo! You will not be surprised to see them celebrate the easing of Covid-19 protocols especially wearing masks.

During sherehe, no one cares about your ethnic background, it’s all about kupiga sherehe. The problem with this is that you can become broke in just a single day.

• Athletics

Internationally, Kenya has excelled in athletics, especially in track events. To be honest, one tribe has been dominant in long-distance runs. But whenever you hear that a Kenyan is running, no one cares about anything happening, they all gather to count the medals earned at the end event, before retracting to their tribal cocoons during politics.

That is Kenya, “na hawapangwingwi”.