“I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them,” Pablo Picasso.
In my own world of imaginations, I take my painting brushes and Kenya is the end result of my art work.
Imagine a Kenya that never was but could be. A motherland loved by all her sons and daughters, a nation showering the fruits of her wombs with happiness. An environment so calm and peaceful, insecurity obsolete if not a nonexistent vocabulary. Politicians treating the citizens as their own children and transparent systems with equal service to all. A Kenya that speaks peace, lives in unity and practices liberty. One that will not only sing or recite the national anthem and the loyalty pledge, but live it. A practical Kenya.
Imagine Kenyans, a people in one accord. Children of the same mother who work together for her good. They take good care of her, she is ever glowing and age does not know her. Dreamers, who are not limited to the shortcomings of their nation. Optimists, believing in what the future could bring rather than floating in the status quo. Progress catalysts and not growth inhibitors, a people who can reason together and recreate their country not only for their good, but for the generations to come. Citizens, bold enough to say NO! and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! to corruption and oppression of the voiceless, wise enough to know their rights and demand them, not bribe their way through to what belongs to them. Fighters for what is right, enemies to war and soul mates with justice. Great minds, channeled towards bettering and steering the nation to greater heights.
The Kenyan streets. Con-men free, void of beggars. Those with two hands engage themselves to earn, not stealing indirectly from those working hard to make ends meet. The wounded and sick taken care of at home, not spread on the scorching sun to feed on the mercies of passersby yet adding insult to injury. The street urchins flushed off to rehabilitation centers, children homes. Secure, safe streets, with no fears of being conned and robbed or injuring a wounded person; sigh.
I pause my painting, sip a glass water, and wonder what will go on in the minds of those looking at my art work. Will they smile, frown and walk away, or wonder too what was on mind while painting? Will they read it critically, or ignorantly confess the impossibility of my drawing’s existence, though they see and admire it? Back to my painting, I see a brighter Kenya, brighter than the brightest imagination.
Imagine Kenya. Believe. Do something!
“The man who has no imagination has no wings,” Muhammad Ali
-By Liz Ekakoro:Diaspora Messenger contributor
