Intergenerational change, the Kenyan Somali and the Kenyan state

[Jacaylbaro]

Nothing much has really changed since my grandfather’s time but there is much to hope for in the new Kenya. The relationship between the Kenyan Somali and the Kenyan State is still as tumultuous at the best of times, and indifferent at the worst of times. Or is it vice versa: where the best of times is when the State leaves you alone and the worst being when it interferes?

 

My grandfather (circa 1880-1943) lived separate from the State for the great part of his life and his only contacts with the colonial government were probably during the collection of the poll tax. The British colonial authorities in NFD and Somalia were spread thin for the most part with one man trying to establish order in a vast territory.

 

As long as the clans just got along fine and there were no major incidents, then the territory was ipso facto ‘governed’. My grandfather was killed at the close of the Second World War by the Gruppo Banda – a fierce and highly mobile unit of ethnic Somali troops put together by the Italians in their war against the British.

 

At the end of the war, the Banda were disbanded and were roaming through Somalia and the NFD; looting and killing. Family lore has it that two of the Banda approached the family home at dawn as the old man was getting ready to pray. One of them was armed and the other unarmed. They asked for food and other provisions (which naturally were unavailable in such a harsh and unforgiving environment).

 

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