The other day I had an encounter of third kind when two close family members branded me a thief in broad daylight.
Apparently, the two are convinced that there are no honest people in this country. To them, no Kenyan can prosper financially and materially without stealing.
Thank God some relatives came out and put them in their place by pointing out that indeed there are millions of Kenyans who eke a living honestly.
This particular incident made me realize there are Kenyans who believe that the only way one can make it in life is through uncouth methods.
This forced me to conduct a soul searching. Is it true there are no honest people in this country?
My mind transported me back to my dear Mum and there I got the answer to this question.
It is good that I did because it proved to me that even if it is true I am a crook as alleged by my two relatives, I am completely sure my Mum is not.
You see, I am hundred per cent sure that my dear mother has never stolen anything to raise six of us successfully.
I bet this applies to many children in this country.
Then I thought deeper and realised that like my Mum, Mama Mbogas too work hard to put food on their families tables without stealing.
My mind extended to shopkeepers, butcheries, barber shops, hoteliers, chemists, hawkers and indeed millions of Kenyans who wake up every day to fend for themselves and their families without resulting to stealing.
This world scope made me aware that what my two relatives call stealing doesn’t necessarily apply to self employed Kenyans like me (I am a retired civil servant) but those in employment.
It appears that unless one leaves employment as a pauper, people like my two relatives will believe you are a thief.
It is a mentality that is so ingrained, it is almost impossible for this group of Kenyans to accept there are honest employees in the public and private sectors.
It is therefore no surprise that a particular Presidential candidate known to be insidiously corrupt has a sizeable following in this country.
It is unfortunate that among those who have been enlisted into this false belief are hardworking, honest and struggling Kenyans who should know better.
That as it may, principled Kenyans like myself cannot reconcile their concience and subscribe to an evil and destructive mental capture.
God knows there are good people in this country and whatever the case they stand to be counted as forthright, principled and proud for who and what they stand for.
For those with no moral principles and can dine with the devil himself because the world has sinners, ole wao.
Kaunda wa Muchunku
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