I have tried over the years to know how other tribes perceive me.During those years, I have realized there is a heavy burden of being a Kikuyu. Here are my discoveries:
People think I am also rich
There is a notion that all Kikuyus are rich. When I am around, people don’t expect me to struggle like other Kenyans, they expect me to live in Runda, drive a big car and own apartments. The fact is:I am as poor as other Kenyans.
People think I receive first class services from the government
Since Uhuru is the president, other tribes think that since I am a kikuyu, my life is smooth. The fact is, I eat in a kibanda,I take my children to a public school, I become broke like any other Kenyan and also face reality of life like any Kenyan.
People think I am a thief
There is a stereotype that as a Kikuyu, I must be a thief. I have tried, in vain, to convince others that this habit is universal.
Someone with a long hand does not choose tribe, every tribe in Kenya has thieves.
They think I love money more than life
I always hear them say,”mkikuyu haweziacha pesa”.This is not correct.
They think I am a businessman
Since Kikuyu tribe is known to be entrepreneurs, everyone around me think I own business. In an effort to make them conmfortable,I have tried to open a business venture, but I failed terribly.
They think I am the reason they are suffering
Others think that I am the reason why they have problems, yet I am suffering the same way they are struggling.
