Tawala Kenya: A journey through the early days of my country

“Tawala Kenya, tawala, Rais Moi, tawala, Tawala Kenya, tawala, milele na milele.” The song by Mwalimu Thomas Wesonga echoes in my mind even today, a powerful anthem that defined an era and a leader who left an indelible mark on Kenya.

This was the song that brought Kenyans together during the rule of Mzee Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, the second President of the Republic of Kenya. His time in office spanned 24 years, a period when our nation was healing and rebuilding itself after colonial rule.

As a young boy growing up in Kenya, I had the privilege of witnessing a nation in transformation. I still remember the days when the sound of Mzee Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi’s name echoed through the airwaves, and the streets would come alive with excitement whenever he decided to make a visit. His leadership was more than just a political role; it was a symbol of strength and unity, and I was one of many who grew up under his watchful eye.

I was in school when Mzee Moi ruled for 24 years, a time when the Kenyan shilling was flourishing, and the country was finding its feet after the colonial era. It was during these years that I first understood what it meant to love one’s country.

As a student, we were often caught up in the celebrations whenever the president visited different parts of the country. His motorcade was a spectacle; it would pass through our towns, and the streets would be lined with people waving flags, cheering, and celebrating. It was a sight to behold our leader on the move, and the whole nation taking pride in him.

In those days, no vehicle would dare cross a road when Mzee Moi was passing. The entire country would stop in reverence. And I, like many others, would stand along the road to catch a glimpse of the convoy of cars. The pride that filled the air was palpable.

Even the government officials dressed in their official regalia, and flags were raised in honor of the president’s visit. Shops would close, schools would pause, and the atmosphere would shift to one of collective national pride.

What stands out most in my memory is the way Mzee Moi, who came from a background as a teacher, deeply valued education. He understood that for Kenya to truly grow, its people needed to be educated. And so, he introduced the maziwa ya Nyayo program, where schoolchildren, like myself, were given milk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For us, it wasn’t just about the milk it was about the hope that Mzee Moi was investing in our future. It gave us the energy to learn, to dream, and to believe that a brighter future was possible.

I remember the days when teachers were revered in our communities, and the respect for authority was a core value. We were taught that a child belonged to the community, and the collective effort of all adults shaped our upbringing. When the local chief passed by, we were expected to stand in silence, paying our respects. The same went for the teacher on his bicycle he wasn’t just a figure of authority; he was a symbol of knowledge and respect. We would run up to him to offer help, pushing his bicycle for him as a sign of our admiration.

Mzee Moi’s influence went beyond the classroom. Under his leadership, the 8-4-4 education system was introduced, which became the foundation of Kenya’s education system for generations to come. We learned under fig trees, in humble classrooms, but with a burning desire to succeed. The country was growing, and the future was bright. Every moment felt like a part of something much bigger, something historical.

There was also a sense of unity that Mzee Moi fostered. The entire nation felt like one, and we shared the same dreams, the same struggles, and the same hope for a better future. That sense of unity was felt even in the smallest of communities. No matter where we were, we were all Kenyan, and we were all moving forward together.

Now, as I reflect on those days, I see how much the world has changed. I see a new generation that faces its own challenges, but I also see hope. The values that Mzee Moi instilled in us education, respect for authority, and national unity are still relevant today. We may be living in a different time, but the lessons of the past continue to shape us.

As for me, the boy who stood by the roadside, cheering as Mzee Moi’s motorcade passed, I am now a man who carries those memories with pride. Those early days shaped who I am today someone who believes in the power of education, the strength of community, and the importance of national unity.

I look at today’s generation, and I see the same hope in their eyes that I once had. Just as Mzee Moi’s leadership guided us through those early years, I hope that my journey, in my own way, will inspire the next generation to carry the torch of progress forward.

For in the end, it’s not just about the milk, the motorcade, or the holidays. It’s about the legacy we build, the lessons we pass on, and the future we shape together. Tawala Kenya, tawala. Milele na milele.