147 Not Just A Number!!

In the wake of the Garissa massacre, Kenyans came out in their droves to convey their heartfelt condolences. While this is quite laudable in every aspect, the truth of the matter is that we have formed a habit of raising serious questions and thereafter going on with our lives until the next tragedy happens. The Westgate attack brought us together as we sought to support men, women and children whose lives had been cut short in the hands of murderous terrorists. We donated blood, foodstuffs, sent M-pesa and when all was said and done, we moved on with our lives as if nothing ever happened.

We never got to know of the faces, of the stories, of the dreams that those who perished in the Westgate attack had. We, in our characteristic fashion, coined the “we are one” phrase and moved on. We held long debates on where the problems lay, the loopholes in the security system and what could have been done better to prevent this catastrophe from happening. Every time we are under a siege of sorts, what we see from the government is kneejerk reaction. As much as I would like to dwell on all this, my conscience can’t allow me considering how fresh the memory of the recent attack in Garissa is in my mind.

147 not just a number has been the hash tag trend on twitter and many other social networks. It’s a stark reminder to all and sundry that the lives lost in the latest terror attack won’t just be a statistic. For long, we have quantified the number of people killed in terror attacks or any other kind of unfortunate incidents. We have, successfully so, managed to sweep under the carpet their dreams, expectations and denied them of their place in history. Just like the slain police officers in Baragoi, we have refused to put a face behind their names, to document their sacrifices, their commitment to service and above all the tribulations they go through every single day to make this nation a safe haven to each and every single citizen.

We must refuse to ascribe to the norm of all talk while nothing is done to properly remember the souls that have lost their lives. We must celebrate each and every student who perished. We must tell their stories, their aspirations, and their dreams and document them as a constant reminder that as a nation we are bleeding. We need to walk around and see what murderous acts have done to the well being of this nation. 147 families are in pain, Kenya as a nation is in pain. The question is; are we going to just sit back and move on while saying those killed were just 147?

Were those not humans who had dreams and aspirations of a better tomorrow? Were those not individuals who died without ever having to put their ides to practice? Were those not individuals whose families had placed so much hope in them? It beats logic that we have become so adept at issuing condolences while giving a wide berth to the very things that unite us as a country. We must speak out on the ills bedeviling our country. We must speak out on the haphazard way in which the lives of ordinary Kenyans are handled.

147 not just a number is not just a hash tag as some of us have literally taken it to be. It’s a message to all and sundry that these are bright lights that have been dimmed. It’s an attempt to celebrate the lives of individuals who in their quest to make our country a better place met an untimely death in the hands of blood thirsty and brainwashed radicalized terrorists. It’s a rallying call that such a thing need not happen again. We must feel safe in our own country and we must do everything in our power to ensure that such blatant killings of innocent lives do not recur.

Lastly, while celebrating the lives of these 147 great Kenyans, we must also ensure that we are not sucked into the unnecessary hatred of a particular religion. We must not be sucked into the cheap propaganda that a particular religion is responsible for the wanton and heinous killings. This is just but a diversionary and divisive tactic that these heinous terrorists are using to create a rift among the peace loving Kenyans. Yes, we have a lot of questions on why there is discrimination based on religion whenever these heartless terrorists strike. However, this need not be a catalyst to start a campaign that will hurt us as a nation. We are one and must work together if we are to slain the ugly head of terrorism.

To the 147 families that lost their loved ones, to the many relatives and friends who are reeling in pain and anger, please remember that we refuse to make the 147 just a number. We refuse to refer to them as just as a statistic. We want document their names in the annals of history, document their aspirations and forever remember them as the future generation that never got to touch the silver lining of their dreams. Kenyans must unite and let all and sundry know that 147 is not just a number. The 147 are brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends whose lives were cut short but whose memories we must keep alive!!!