A Prayer for Kenya

I find it interesting that at the heart of the Kenyan National Anthem is a prayer for peace and unity. That seems very poignant at this time, as the Kenyan people go to the polling stations on Monday to choose a president, members of parliament, senators, county governors and members of the newly formed county assembly. Not so remarkable in itself. Yet this is  against the backdrop of the inter-ethnic post-election violence of 5 years ago, when more than 1,200 people were killed, and up to 600,000 were displaced from their homes (some of whom are still in IDP camps today).

 

(In Swahili)

Ee Mungu nguvu yetu
Ilete baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na undugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi.

Amkeni ndugu zetu
Tufanye sote bidii
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya Kenya
Tunayoipenda
Tuwe tayari kuilinda

Natujenge taifa letu
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu
Kenya istahili heshima
Tuungane mikono
Pamoja kazini
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani

 

(In English) 

O God of all creation

Bless this our land and nation

Justice be our shield and defender

May we dwell in unity

Peace and liberty

Plenty be found within our borders

 

Let one and all arise

With hearts both strong and true

Service be our earnest endeavour

And our Homeland of Kenya

Heritage of splendour

Firm may we stand to defend

 

Let all with one accord

In common bond united

Build this our nation together

And the glory of Kenya

The fruit of our labour

Fill every heart with thanksgiving

Amen and Amen!