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We all do say we are citizens of a particular country. Some even go ahead to have dual citizenship. But do we really understand what we actually mean when we say we are citizens; a Kenyan, an American, an Australian? Do you say you are Kenyan or American because it is your birthplace, or is it because you know what it means?
Let us first understand what it means to be a citizen. In my opinion, to be a citizen means to be a full member of a city-state participating in its management and life, understanding one’s role in it and also aware of one’s rights. To be or not to be a citizen is often taken for granted in public life. It would be important for all to understand that our rights dictate how we relate with others within the society. Knowing your rights is preliminary. According to Aristotle, a "good citizen must possess the requisite knowledge and capacity on ruling as well as in relation to being ruled, and excellence of a citizen may be defined as consisting in 'a knowledge of rule over free men from both points of view.'"
When laws become instruments of oppression and not avenues of responsible freedom, then they are impediments to citizenship and must be disobeyed in order to preserve public good. By this, I do not mean resulting to violence to seek justice but peaceful demonstration/protests to redress the citizens’ plight when the state invades their space through unjust means.
Socratic wisdom reminds us that it is better to die than to be subject of unjust rule by brutal men. Death here is just out of one’s choice, not an end, but the beginning of a struggle to restore dignity in humanity. Bad leaders are not the only ones to blame for mismanagement of the economy but also the weak, fragmented and intimidated civil society. It is the responsibility of those who give power to ensure that the power they give is not used against them. The leaders/politicians will always manipulate every given situation to their benefit.
Let me give an example with Kenya:
Kenyan members of Parliament have adamantly refused to have their allowances taxed, which are about kshs.800,000 (approximately US $10,126.60) per member. These are the same people who advocate for development but are not ready to stand behind their idea of collecting more taxes (which are to be used for this development) from the “Kenyans” and contribute to this development. If we paying the taxes are Kenyans, who are they?
Choosing to abide to laws and regulations that are oppressive make you a good person but not exactly a good citizen. A good citizen will walk the path of integrity, promoting public good, building bridges between the state and its people. Therefore, we cannot limit citizenship to rights and freedom only but also responsibilities as well.
We also cannot limit citizenship to voting. Voting is a right one already possesses at birth, and “selling out” your vote only makes you lose your dignity and your right to the conditioning machines of power politics.
To have someone with a clean record vying does not necessarily mean (s)he can solve most of the problems. According to Nicholas Otieno, the fundamental problem is that weak citizenry, which is easily coerced, is manipulated by state machinery to perpetuate and sustain certain power interests.
Embarking on a mission to make people aware of their rights is one very difficult task, but no pains, no gains. It begins with you and me. Are you a “citizen” or are you a CITIZEN? Ponder!
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Tinaj
I am a student who loves writing a lot when there is nothing else to do. Writing helps me express my feeling and opinions without feeling constrained. I love reading too. That is actually where I get my inspiration. I also love cartoons because the creativity in them is appealing and overwhelming. I love being happy and happy people. Ff you are not a happy person, you are make your short life shorter.
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