Stronger than you think.

Something interesting is happening in Kenya right now. It all started with a bill in parliament that would require members of parliament (MP's) to pay taxes, like the rest of the population. MP's in Kenya make about as much money as an American senator, even though the standard of living is very different here. In other words, they're filthy rich. The average citizen is keenly aware of this, and not that happy about it either. So when the bill was introduced, it received a lot of news coverage and citizens were very in favor of it. Of course, in line with the extreme selfishness and corruption we've seen in every corner of Kenyan politics (ie voter fraud leading to post-election violence last year), the parliament voted the bill out, maintaining their tax-free life.

The citizens were pissed. They didn't riot, and they protested minimally, but the media covered it thoroughly. Newspapers and television channels blasted the MP's for their selfishness, especially when the money they would be taxed could go to, say, helping the millions of orphans in Kenya. Shortly after the drama had subsided, parliament put out a bill that would highly censor the media, and allow the government to control what they say. The reaction this time was different.

Journalists have flooded the streets with their lips literally taped shut, or their hands behind their back. Every news channel is featuring it as their main story, talking about how Parliament shouldn't pass such a bill, that it was ten steps back. The response was amazing. Foreign diplomats to Kenya and community leaders said their words of warning.

The bill was passed, but it hasn't been signed yet. General protests and protests specific to journalists have continued. Just yesterday was Jamhuri Day, which is Kenya's independence day from colonial rule. At the celebrations, as President Kibaki spoke, people who were protesting were being beat by the police (standard procedure here in Kenya, they show it on the news daily) and carried out kicking and screaming. It was shocking.

Kibaki has yet to sign the bill, which is the only hope right now. Kenya has a vibrant media, there are three major newspapers and three major news networks that have shows in Kiswahili and English. They are quite critical of the government and they do not hesitate to reveal the all too-often scandals. It would be a shame to lose one of the few checks on the Kenyan government. You can follow the story here: www.nation.co.ke

On a more personal note... My mom is coming tomorrow! I am very excited. The itinerary is: couple days in Nairobi, camping safari in the Maasai Mara, a few days in Kisumu, and a tropical Indian Ocean Christmas in Lamu. I couldn't ask for more!