Post by OPC on Oct 30, 2006 8:35:31 GMT 3
LEADERS SHOULD STOP DAMAGING KENYA'S REPUTATION ABROAD
The Government has noted with concern that some Kenyan politicians have taken to running abroad and preaching to foreigners a message that is painting an image of Kenyans as losers, unable to govern themselves and all in all, desperate people.
This method of demonizing one's motherland, with lies and exaggerations, is cowardly and an insult to all Kenyans.
Despite any challenges we might face, Kenyans have made huge strides in many fields and we are respected globally for our democracy, our peace initiatives, our development agenda and overall stability. We are also recognized for our athletics and hospitality that have been ranked one of the best in the World.
When a Kenyan talks ill of any section of Kenya's way of life to foreigners, and especially when abroad, that individual is reinforcing the image of Africans and Kenyans to be from "the dark continent" and sending the message that all Kenyans, including the speaker, are of questionable intelligence and abilities.
It is Okay to criticize one's Government and systems,but this is better done at home where people understand the context of the criticism. When done overseas, the speaker achieves nothing but ridicule for the whole country, the whole citizenry and lowers the international standing of Kenya.
The Kenyan Government supports freedom of expression and association and it urges every Kenyan to understand that it is easy to break the cooking pot while criticizing the food in the pot if done in a simplistic and unorthodox manner. Kenyans should reject and rebuke leaders who make such remarks.
Dr. Alfred N. Mutua
Public Communications Secretary & Government Spokesperson
Washington, USA
October 29, 2006
The Government has noted with concern that some Kenyan politicians have taken to running abroad and preaching to foreigners a message that is painting an image of Kenyans as losers, unable to govern themselves and all in all, desperate people.
This method of demonizing one's motherland, with lies and exaggerations, is cowardly and an insult to all Kenyans.
Despite any challenges we might face, Kenyans have made huge strides in many fields and we are respected globally for our democracy, our peace initiatives, our development agenda and overall stability. We are also recognized for our athletics and hospitality that have been ranked one of the best in the World.
When a Kenyan talks ill of any section of Kenya's way of life to foreigners, and especially when abroad, that individual is reinforcing the image of Africans and Kenyans to be from "the dark continent" and sending the message that all Kenyans, including the speaker, are of questionable intelligence and abilities.
It is Okay to criticize one's Government and systems,but this is better done at home where people understand the context of the criticism. When done overseas, the speaker achieves nothing but ridicule for the whole country, the whole citizenry and lowers the international standing of Kenya.
The Kenyan Government supports freedom of expression and association and it urges every Kenyan to understand that it is easy to break the cooking pot while criticizing the food in the pot if done in a simplistic and unorthodox manner. Kenyans should reject and rebuke leaders who make such remarks.
Dr. Alfred N. Mutua
Public Communications Secretary & Government Spokesperson
Washington, USA
October 29, 2006