Throughout history, there have been countless individuals who have faced immense suffering and false persecution for standing up for their values and beliefs. In such challenging times, holding on to faith becomes crucial, as it provides strength, resilience, and a sense of purpose. This article explores the essence of holding on to faith amidst suffering and false persecution, highlighting its significance and offering insights on how faith can sustain individuals during these trying times.

Defining Faith:

Faith, at its core, is a deeply held belief in something greater than oneself. It is a source of spiritual and emotional strength that provides hope and purpose in the face of adversity. Who is a man without faith? What do you stand for? Faith can manifest in various forms, including religious beliefs, personal values, and convictions. It acts as a compass, guiding individuals through the stormy seas of suffering and false persecution. What happens when those things you stand for are not likeable by those around you? What bout they persecute you for your beliefs? Who should you embrace in your beliefs? Should you abandon your convictions for acceptance? You may believe in truth? You may be a believer in fulfilling promises? You may be a believer in defined patterns? What if the truth is compromised? What if you meet those who retract on their promises?

The Reality of Suffering and False Persecution:

Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. Whether it be physical pain, emotional turmoil, or societal injustice, people from all walks of life encounter moments of great hardship. Some have died in these hardships too. History has great figure like Paul of Tarsus, Peter, Simon of Cyrene, just to name but a few who paid the price for the values they believed in. Even Paul after persecuting people of God few believed him when he started defending the people he had persecuted.  Similarly, false persecution occurs when individuals are unjustly targeted or maligned for their beliefs or values. Often, those who dare to stand up for what they believe face criticism, ridicule, and even isolation. In such circumstances, holding on to faith becomes essential to navigate the storm and remain steadfast. Do not compromise on that faith amidst persecution. Similarly do not persecute those who persecute you, embrace them with love.

Faith as a Source of Strength:

During times of suffering and false persecution, faith acts as a wellspring of strength. It offers comfort, reassurance, and the courage to persevere. It remains your only reason for holding on. Or how else will you tell of your false persecution if you don’t hold on? Faith reminds individuals that they are not alone in their struggles, providing solace through prayer, meditation, or connecting with a higher power. It instils a sense of resilience, allowing individuals to endure the challenges they face while remaining true to their values. Once you compromise on those values amidst persecution then you have lost the battle too. It is no longer persecution but punishment for your wrongdoing. Did you commit a wrong for believing in certain values?

Faith as a Moral Compass:

In the face of false persecution, faith serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals to uphold their values and convictions. Is what is causing your suffering wrongly judged or it is outright wrong. If it is wrongly judged then my brother, hold on those values. Hold on that position you have taken. Faith empowers you to resist the temptation to compromise your beliefs in the pursuit of acceptance or convenience. Faith reminds individuals of the importance of integrity and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. It provides the strength to weather the storm, knowing that they are remaining true to themselves. It is important to remain true to self to death if it means so. Shall you hurt your brother for convenience of the moment? Shall you betray your promises for convenience of the instance? Shall you lie for acceptance of the public in betrayal of your course? Or shall you stand for that which you believe in? Shall you defend your convictions?

Finding Purpose in Suffering:

Holding on to faith amidst suffering and false persecution can also help individuals find purpose in their struggles. Faith encourages individuals to seek meaning and learn valuable lessons from their experiences. It can lead to personal growth, fostering empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of human suffering. In suffering we are able to reflect if we are really right in our beliefs. We weigh the consequences of our believe for posterity of presence and future. It is in believing in certain values that we can endure the pain of the present for the success of the future. It is wrong if we compromise for momentous happiness for consequences that awaits us ahead. Through faith, individuals can transform their pain into a catalyst for positive change, inspiring others and making a difference in the world. We can be able to convince those persecuting us to believe in what we stand for too by standing for it, despite their actions against us.

Support and Community:

Faith often flourishes within communities of like-minded individuals who share similar values and beliefs. These communities offer support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during times of suffering and false persecution. They provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find solace, and stand united in their convictions. The collective strength of a supportive community can bolster one’s faith and resilience, making the journey through adversity more bearable. In our time these communities are presented not just in church, but by our colleagues at office, friends we meet in the course of our businesses and some distant friends we may not have met physically. In suffering we seek acceptance. We must however be conscious that the acceptance does not mask the reality and cut us from the rest of the world.

In the face of suffering and false persecution, holding on to faith is not merely a matter of blind belief, but a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Faith provides the strength, resilience, and moral compass needed to navigate the storm and stay true to one’s values. It empowers individuals to find purpose in their suffering, inspiring positive change and fostering personal growth. Together with the support of a like-minded community, faith becomes an anchor, holding individuals steadfast amidst the tempest of adversity.

May you stand for those values you hold dear that others may see and later come to say, you were right. Don’t surrender just yet.

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and now emerging viruses that are becoming sporadic on African, Asian and South American continents have become a significant public health concern in the 21st century. EIDs have been linked to several factors, including globalization, population growth, urbanization, land-use change, and climate change. The role of war in the emergence of EIDs in Africa is hardly talked about since government agencies focus on controlling known infections. International agencies like World health organization (WHO) will be concerned about polio vaccines without mentioning risk of emergent viruses. This perspective has therefore not been adequately explored. War can have a profound impact on public health, particularly in low-income countries where healthcare infrastructure is already weak. In this article, I explore the effects of war on African continent on emerging viruses.

The impact of war on public health

War can have a profound impact on public health, particularly in low-income countries where healthcare infrastructure is already weak. The effects of long years of civil war in south Sudan, Libya, Central African republic, to name but a few, are all still evident in our time. War disrupts healthcare systems, leading to shortages of medical supplies, inadequate access to care, and an increase in preventable deaths. In most countries when there is outbreak of war, apparently institutions of health have been converted to military barracks or used as settlement centres for displaced centres. In Rwanda in 1994 hospitals became places of refuge for the citizens who were running away from persecution. In Sudan currently it has been reported that soldiers were fighting from medical laboratories. In eastern Congo the displacement of population has been huge in a heavily forested region.  The displacement of populations due to war also increases the risk of infectious disease transmission, as individuals are forced to live in crowded and unsanitary conditions.

War also leads to the destruction of infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, which further increases the risk of infectious disease transmission. In some instances, destruction of basic infrastructure such as roads and rail systems limit the accessibility of basic resources like water too.

Emerging viruses and war

Emerging viruses are those that have recently appeared in a population or that have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. These viruses have not been described in recent past but then reappear or appear for first time in a population. War can create conditions that are conducive to the emergence of viruses. Unfortunately with all government focus on war, little attention is paid to the occurrence of such viruses.

The destruction of infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, can increase the transmission of infectious diseases including the emerging viruses hence giving them time to establish in a population. The displacement of populations due to war also increases the risk of infectious disease transmission, as individuals are forced to live in crowded and unsanitary conditions. With increased transmission and reinfections, these environments create an ample room for mutations that can result highly pathogenic variants while reinfections providing room for establishment of recombinants in a population with no necessary medical interventions.

The emergence of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa in 2014-2015 is an example of how war can contribute to the emergence of a virus. The outbreak occurred in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, three countries that had experienced decades of civil war and political instability. What if the virus had been circulating but at a threshold that the health system could not detect? The healthcare systems in these countries were already weak before the outbreak, and the war had disrupted healthcare infrastructure further. Could the virus have circulated in far end areas with no access to quality healthcare system before getting the attention of government authorities? The destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of populations due to the war created conditions that were conducive to the transmission of the virus while shifting the focus on surveillance to rebuilding what the war had destroyed.

Another example of how war can contribute to the emergence of a virus is the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The origins of HIV/AIDS are not fully understood, but it is believed to have emerged in central Africa in the 1920s while some theories have put this to a period of 1940s to 1950s. The spread of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa was facilitated by several factors, including poverty, lack of education, and cultural practices such as unsafe medical procedures and traditional burial practices. However, war and political instability in the region played a significant role in the spread of the virus. The health systems on the continent did not intercept the occurrence of this virus on time. The continent was focussed on recovering from effects of fighting for independence that was followed by several coups across the continent and such, little focus was put on disease surveillance. The displacement of populations due to war increased the risk of transmission, and the breakdown of healthcare systems led to a lack of access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those infected with some jurisdictions not having the ART in their healthcare system.

The impact of war on disease surveillance and response

War can also have a significant impact on disease surveillance and response. When surveillance does not take place then definitely, there shall be no interventions. The disruption of healthcare systems and the displacement of populations can make it difficult to detect and respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases which include new viral infections. The destruction of infrastructure, including laboratories and medical facilities, can also limit the capacity to diagnose and treat infectious diseases. The limitation arises from both unavailability of infrastructure and human resource.  The disruption of supply chains can also limit the availability of medical supplies and equipment, making it difficult to respond to outbreaks. Whereas the outbreaks occur, no outbreaks occur in evolution of the pathogens and mutation of the viruses in the very population that infrastructure is supposed to be utilised.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2015 is an example of how war can impact disease surveillance and response. The war had disrupted healthcare infrastructure in the affected countries, making it difficult to detect and respond to the outbreak. The war interfered with the education system of the countries affecting their capacity to train competent human resource for their health industries. The lack of trained healthcare workers and the limited availability of medical supplies and equipment further hampered the response to the outbreak. How many died before the intervention?

The impact of war on vaccine coverage

War can also impact vaccine coverage, particularly in low-income countries where healthcare systems are already weak. This happens to be the main point of focus for global agencies like WHO whenever there is war. But this is just one avenue. The disruption of healthcare systems due to war can lead to a decrease in the availability and accessibility of vaccines, which can result in decreased vaccine coverage. The displacement of populations due to war can also make it difficult to provide vaccines to those in need.

The impact of decreased vaccine coverage can be significant. Diseases that were previously under control can resurge, an example of polio in Somalia, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The disruption of vaccine coverage can also lead to the emergence of new variants of viruses, which can be more virulent and transmissible. The virulent viruses prove hard to deal with on the already weak health systems on the continent.

The impact of war on research and development

War can also impact research and development efforts aimed at understanding and controlling infectious diseases. Would war lords buy ammunitions or sponsor scientists to conduct research? Would war lords finance quest on virus surveillance that they do not know if they will emerge of buy modern weapons to kill human enemies they know? But who cares for the rest of the population? The disruption of healthcare systems and the displacement of populations can make it difficult to conduct research in war-affected areas since some aspects of research may be seen as part of war strategy. Other may view researchers as intelligence officers hence reducing support from the subjects. The destruction of infrastructure, including laboratories and research facilities, limit the capacity to conduct research by those who may be willing to conduct the research.

The impact of war on research and development can also be felt globally. Research institutions and funding agencies may shift their focus and resources away from infectious diseases in war-affected regions, leading to a decrease in research and development efforts. What guarantee would global funders have that the money channelled for research will not be used in war? How would the funding be monitored? This can result in a lack of understanding of emerging infectious diseases in war-affected regions, making it difficult to control outbreaks. And this is what is happening in those countries where guns are loud at the moment.

Africa should not allow bullets dampen her future and focus on the trajectory of success. It is written in black on a white wall that war can have a profound impact on public health, particularly in low-income countries where healthcare infrastructure is already weak. We should not allow the greed of the moment derail us from our vision 2063 and playing our rightful role in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). It is undisputed fact that the emergence of viruses can be linked to war, as the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of populations can create conditions that are conducive to the transmission of infectious diseases. It is time that as a continent; the leaders, opinion shapers, policy makers and all sons of this black continent, we put interest of our future first and guard our motherland zealously. It is crucial to understand the impact of war on public health to ensure effective responses to emerging infectious diseases in future because they are going to occur. This requires a concerted effort from governments, international organizations, and the global community to address the root causes of war and promote peace and stability.

But before they come to help, African has to defend herself from this future catastrophe. Let us silence guns on the continent.

Introduction

Emerging viruses pose a significant risk to public health globally, with the African continent being particularly vulnerable due to a combination of social, economic, and environmental factors. The fragile health systems on the continent have been shaken with previous occurrences. Whereas African countries attained independence and have invested heavily in healthcare human resource, majority still face a myriad of infrastructural challenges and resource scarcity. In this article and a series of articles I will do soon, I will explore the risk posed by emerging viruses on the African continent, focusing on key examples such as Marburg, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. We will examine the factors that make Africa particularly vulnerable to emerging viruses and discuss the social, economic, and public health implications of these risks.

In subsequent articles I will explore the science behind emerging viruses, probable solutions and interventions necessary for the continent to be pandemic ready.

Factors contributing to the risk of emerging viruses on the African continent

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of emerging viruses on the African continent. These factors can be broadly categorized into three areas: social, economic, and environmental factors.

Social factors

Social factors such as population growth, urbanization, and the breakdown of traditional cultural practices have contributed to the increased risk of emerging viruses. Population growth has led to increased pressure on natural resources, leading to the expansion of human settlements into previously uninhabited areas. Incidences of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise increase human wildlife interaction. This has increased the risk of exposure to zoonotic viruses, as humans come into closer contact with animals that may carry viruses. Urbanization has also led to increased movement of people, facilitating the spread of infectious diseases.

Breakdown of traditional cultural practices has also contributed to the risk of emerging viruses. Traditional cultural practices such as bushmeat hunting and consumption have been identified as potential sources of zoonotic viruses. These practices are still prevalent in many parts of Africa, despite efforts to discourage them. Whereas the practices are discouraged, it is notable that this people have not been provided with alternatives to this bush meat.

Economic factors

Economic factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and weak healthcare systems have also contributed to the risk of emerging viruses. Poverty has limited access to education and healthcare, making it difficult to implement effective disease prevention measures. There still exist populations who view hygiene as a luxury. The continent as well has populations with no access to basic hygiene practices because of lack of ability to meet the accompanying costs. Limited access to healthcare means that many people are unable to access treatment for infectious diseases, increasing the risk of disease transmission and mutative development of the causative viruses.

Weak healthcare systems have contributed to the risk of emerging viruses. This is because of the lack of the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and trained personnel to respond effectively to outbreaks. This translates to ballooned outcomes when the outbreaks occur resulting from delayed response.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters have also contributed to the risk of emerging viruses. Deforestation and other environmental degradation have led to the loss of habitat for many wildlife species, leading to increased contact between humans and animals that may carry viruses. Climate change has also been identified as a risk factor, as it may alter the distribution of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Altered distribution has resulted to unpredictable epidemiology as well as interrupting the known epidemiology of known pathogens.

Natural disasters such as floods and droughts can also contribute to the risk of emerging viruses, as they may disrupt healthcare services and lead to overcrowding in temporary shelters, increasing the risk of disease transmission. This has been witnessed in war torn areas like Darfur in Sudan, Eastern DRC and the terrorist hit West African states. The crisis limits humanitarian responses while destroying the already weak health infrastructure.

Examples of emerging viruses on the African continent

Ebola

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a zoonotic virus that was first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1976. Since then, there have been several outbreaks of Ebola in Africa, with the most recent outbreak occurring in West Africa from 2014-2016. The West African outbreak was the largest in history, with over 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths. The continent is still recovering from this outbreak.

The risk of Ebola on the African continent is particularly high due to the close contact between humans and animals in many parts of Africa. The virus is believed to be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, particularly fruit bats. Once the virus is transmitted to humans, it can be spread through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Have we reduced this contact? No!

Zika

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947. The virus was relatively unknown until 2015 when it was linked to an outbreak of microcephaly in Brazil. The outbreak spread rapidly throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, leading to widespread concern about the potential for the virus to spread globally.

While the risk of Zika on the African continent has not been as high as in Latin America and the Caribbean, there have been reported cases in several African countries. The risk of Zika transmission in Africa is increased by the prevalence of the Aedes mosquito, which is the primary vector for the virus. Just because an outbreak has not be reported, does not mean we are safe.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019. The virus quickly spread globally, leading to a pandemic that has had significant social, economic, and public health implications. The African continent has been particularly vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19, with several factors contributing to the increased risk of transmission and severe disease outcomes.

Social factors such as poverty, overcrowding, and limited access to healthcare have made it difficult to implement effective prevention and control measures. The economic impact of COVID-19 has been significant, with many people losing their livelihoods and struggling to access basic necessities such as food and water. Weak healthcare systems have also made it difficult to respond effectively to the pandemic, with limited testing and treatment options available in many countries. Travel apartheid system implemented by economic rich countries has left many African countries in jeopardy. The African currencies have weakened attributable to reduced tourism and human resources export some of the main foreign exchange earners for the continent.

Public health implications of emerging viruses on the African continent

The public health implications of emerging viruses on the African continent are significant, with many countries struggling to respond effectively to outbreaks. The high burden of infectious diseases on the continent means that healthcare systems are often overstretched and under-resourced, making it difficult to respond to emerging viruses.

The economic impact of outbreaks can also be significant, particularly for countries with limited resources. The West African Ebola outbreak, for example, had a significant impact on the economies of affected countries, leading to lost income and reduced economic growth.

Social implications of emerging viruses on the African continent

The social implications of emerging viruses on the African continent are also significant, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and people living in poverty. Outbreaks can lead to increased stigmatization and discrimination, particularly towards individuals and communities that are perceived to be at higher risk of infection. Outbreaks can also exacerbate existing inequalities, with vulnerable populations often bearing the brunt of the social and economic impact of outbreaks.

Conclusion

Emerging viruses pose a significant risk to public health on the African continent, with several factors contributing to the increased risk of transmission and severe disease outcomes. Social, economic, and environmental factors all play a role in the risk of emerging viruses, and effective prevention and control measures will require a multi-faceted approach.

Improving access to healthcare, strengthening healthcare systems, and promoting sustainable environmental practices are all essential components of an effective response to emerging viruses. Additionally, promoting social inclusion and addressing underlying inequalities will be critical in ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the response to emerging viruses.

Kenya is a country located in East Africa that operates under a constitutional republic system of government. A constitutional republic is a form of democracy where the government is based on a written constitution that outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the powers of the government. These includes rights on forms of worship and self determination. In Kenya, the Constitution of Kenya was promulgated in 2010 and provides the framework for the country’s political system detaching the state from religion.

Whereas the parliament in Kenya has endeavored to create a regulatory framework for establishment of churches in Kenya, the establishment and regulation of new churches in a constitutional republic on a global scale is a topic of much debate and controversy. While religious freedom is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution(s), the proliferation of new churches notably in Africa and South America is posing challenges to good governance, social cohesion, and public safety. In this article, I will explore the relevance of regulating the establishment of new churches in a constitutional republic, drawing on the biblical values of justice, wisdom, humility, service, integrity, love, and faithfulness. In no way do I intend to portray myself as a saint, I am sharing that I may inform and that for you brothers in faith, together we may sojourn in leading God’s people with knowledge and information and not our selfish desires and egocentrism.

The Bible teaches us that leaders should exercise wisdom and discernment in their decisions and actions. Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” This wisdom can be applied to the establishment and regulation of new churches. While religious freedom is a fundamental right, it is important for leaders to exercise discernment in deciding whether to grant new churches official recognition and to regulate the activities of religious organizations to ensure they are not harmful to public safety or social cohesion.

One of the key concerns with the establishment of new churches is the potential for exploitation or abuse. The Bible teaches us that leaders should exercise justice and integrity in their dealings, and should not exploit or harm others. Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perverseness of the transgressors destroys them.” It is important for leaders to exercise due diligence in vetting new churches and religious organizations, to ensure that they are not engaging in harmful practices such as financial fraud or abuse, or promoting extremist or violent ideologies. Whereas that would be ideal, it has been argued that most church leaders of our time are inspired by God. This has therefore put government in precarious positions limiting the level to which they can intervene when the power of the altar is misused. Whereas one of the accusations leveled against Christ on the Cross was inciting an uprising, we know Jesus never did that. Yet He is the son of God. All powerful God. Why did he respect the laws of the land?

Another concern with the establishment of new churches is the potential for social division and unrest. The Bible teaches us that leaders should exercise humility and service, and should seek the well-being of their constituents. Philippians 2:3 states, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” But do we do that? What is happening in our churches? Social stratification starts in our churches with our abilities to give. Those who give “handsomely” in the eyes of men are conferred with church honors while the “poor” gives deserve to listen. When considering the establishment of new churches, it is important for leaders to consider the potential impact on social cohesion and to ensure that religious organizations are not promoting extremist or divisive ideologies that could contribute to social division or unrest. We have allowed a socially stratified society on the lines of social standing and financial capability. Whereas it is not a sin to be rich, brethren I submit to you that God is not pleased when we look down on one of these less privileged amongst us.

Regulating the establishment of new churches can also help to promote public safety. The Bible teaches us that leaders should exercise wisdom and discernment in their decisions and actions, and should not endanger the lives or well-being of others. Haven’t we had people radicalized in our places of worship? Haven’t we turned our altars to political platforms allowing politicians especially those who contribute more to places of worship to come and “lead the worship”? Proverbs 2:11 states, “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” When considering the establishment of new churches, it is important for leaders to ensure that religious organizations are not engaging in practices that could pose a threat to public safety, such as promoting extremist or violent ideologies or engaging in practices that could harm the physical or mental well-being of their members. Violent ideologies do not have to be those that will harm the society only, includes those that can harm oneself too. Extreme ideologies limit integration of people in communities and easily set them on a path of self destruction.

In addition to these biblical values, there are also practical reasons why regulating the establishment of new churches is important in a constitutional republic. One of these reasons is the need to maintain a level playing field for all religious organizations. If new churches are allowed to proliferate without regulation, it could create an unfair advantage for certain organizations and could lead to disputes or conflicts between different religious groups. This conflict will be founded on selfish interpretation of religious teachings by the self appointed supreme leaders of religion since they are answerable to no one. The struggle to outsmart each other lead them to an accelerated path of self destruction.

Another practical reason for regulating the establishment of new churches is the need to ensure compliance with tax and other regulatory requirements. Non-profit organizations, including religious organizations, are subject to certain tax and regulatory requirements, and it is important for leaders to ensure that new churches are complying with these requirements in order to maintain the integrity of the regulatory system. The proponents of exempting religious organizations from taxes envisaged organizations that would engage in charity, care for the less privileged and being custodians of God’s lambs. Think about Catholic and all her charities. Think about Umrah among our Muslim brothers. Do all Churches engage in these stated charities to a level that is shielding them form taxes? What did then Jesus teach about taxes for Christians?

In conclusion, the establishment and regulation of new churches in a constitutional republic is a complex and multifaceted issue. While religious freedom is a fundamental right, it is important for leaders to exercise wisdom, justice, humility, service, integrity, love, and faithfulness in their decisions and actions related to the establishment and regulation of new churches. By exercising due diligence in vetting new churches and ensuring compliance with tax and regulatory requirements, leaders can help to promote social cohesion, public safety, and good governance in their communities. It is important to strike a balance between protecting the rights of religious organizations and promoting the common good of society, and to ensure that the establishment and regulation of new churches is guided by the principles of justice, wisdom, humility, service, integrity, love, and faithfulness.

Ultimately, the establishment and regulation of new churches in a constitutional republic should be guided by a commitment to the well-being of all citizens and to the promotion of the common good. By upholding these values and principles, leaders can help to build a cohesive and thriving society that is grounded in justice, compassion, and respect for all.

Who shall defend the Cross? The peace of Christ be with you in your quest for His place in this turbulent world.

This week My dad called me. It is not strange that he did for he always do. The strange thing was the conversation. I have gathered courage to publish this conversation, not because I am seeking your opinion, but because a friend of mine thought it wise of writing it somewhere for our sons and daughters to read in future.

Me: Hello boss!

Dad: Hello! How is my daughter doing? (It is our culture for a father to ask the whereabouts of his daughter in law)

Me: (Scrambling for my phone while wiping my hand after washing utensils) She is doing well.

Dad: (Sounding irritated) What is that sound in the background?

Me: I am clearing washing utensils. I want to make supper.

Dad: Washing utensils then make Supper? What do you mean? (Irritation becomes apparent)

Me: (stammering figuring out how to respond) You….. Know… eh…

Dad: (Interjecting) Stop! Where is your wife? You mean again because of your bad manners she has run away? You mean you cannot keep a woman son? Do you know why I escorted you to take a wife? I never wanted you to say you didn’t have my blessings. So why are you cooking?

Me: (Thinking about my bad manners. And wondering if this old man knows I worship God nowadays than Owuor’s followers) My wife is not around. She went visiting….(Even before I finished my sentence)

Dad: (Cutting short my speech) Right now Corona is everywhere. You are a doctor. You mean your wife cannot stay near you to take of you and your family during this period? When will you ever live with your wife?

Me: (In a firm voice) Hey boss, we are talking of an adult who also knows of what she wants. Excuse me! You can call her and lecture her!(Hapa nilikuwa nimeamua kama mbaya, mbaya)

Dad: (Seemingly to cool down) Let me ask you something son, you mean you cannot tell your wife what to do?

Me: Clarify! What do you mean?

Dad: I mean, does it mean in your house you cannot dictate what happens?

Me: (Very calm like that button of Fn that you have never used on your keyboard) Dad, listen and listen very well, we are living in a modern day. These are not those days when you married mum and you could gag her around. We are living in a period of the third and final wave of civilization. Women are empowered and they can make decisions as well.

Dad: (Literally wiping tears. I confirmed this from my sister who was with him when he called me) Patrick! (My dad hardly calls me this name. I can’t remember even when he called me that last) I am not dictating your marriage. I am concerned that your marriage is going to fail. Actually it is on its death bed.

Me: What do you mean?

Dad: I have lived with your mother for 40years or thereabout. It is not because she is stupid. It is because I was in a firm control of that home. It is not because She was not civilized, remember she is the one who took you to school while I was away. She knew the value of education. Education is a product of civilization.

When I raised you I taught you how to cook, wash utensils, wash your clothes and tend to young ones. After teaching you all these I told you it was the duty of women. I did not demean women. I taught you how to do this because I knew there was a period you would live alone. You would need food. I knew for your love of books you may fly to go to the whiteman’s land. You would need immaculate suits to impress. But above all I told you all these were duties of a woman to teach you the essence of marriage.  My father took me through the same classes. Our forefathers brought up these definitions to assert the essence of the institution of marriage to young people. Not because they demeaned women, but because they wanted to assert the position of a man in marriage and the place of marriage in society.

Me: Dad, does it have to come to all this?

Dad: (Continues assuming not to have heard my question) Marriage is not a contractual association. Neither is it a partnership. It is an institution established by God Himself. It must be respected. And as a man you have your place. Asserting authority and being listened to when you talk.

Me: (Trying to interrupt) Dad do you know Corona is ending next week and I am coming home?

Dad: (Continues as if I didn’t say anything) A wife who cannot listen to you now may never listen to you in future. I will not be happy to know that you will not raise my grand children but you will let another man raise them because you married a civilized (sic) woman. It disturbs me that you told me this was the best girl of all girls and yet you cannot control her.

Me: Dad you are wrong.

Dad: I may be wrong in my observations but from time immemorial what an old man sees while sited, a young man like you cannot see while standing.  You are not in a happy marriage. And don’t argue with me on this. It is you to control your so called wife now or your so called marriage is already broken. Tell us early so that we can forget counting you at the table of men. I am disappointed in you son! (Phone hangs)

Me: (Left with all the foam from utensils drying on my hand, speechless and absent minded) Have a good night dad. I love you! (Though I knew no one was listening)

This conversation is a true story. I published it on my blog to remember to paste to my son when he is old while I am of age to share such wisdom. My dad is very old but not too old. When he roars, we still shake.

I love you Dad! (I mean it)

According to MedicalNewsToday.com Depression refers to a situation of Sadness, feeling down, having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities – these are symptoms familiar to all of us. There are several factors that can lead to one being depressed. When depressed one can do harm to self as well as to the environment around them.

Once in a while I use the cab services in Kenya. I prefer them for their convenience, cost effectiveness and time saving. When I talk of cab services in this context I am particularly referring to taxi app services like Vutaride and iDrive. While using these services I have interacted with drivers of ranging backgrounds, attitudes and character. I have always admired the hard work of most of the drivers and their commitment to their works.

It is however the driver who carried me recently that got me thinking of what I have been hearing from people. I requested the cab and when I called him, the driver agreed to pick me. Unlike other drivers, when the driver arrived, he was commanding and harsh unlike the other drivers. Last time I tolerated such orders must have been during a short stay I once had in army barracks. He asked me where I was headed to, and when I hesitated with my stammering, he interrupted and told me that he would have expected a person of my caliber to be eloquent in speech and speak clearly when questioned.

I didn’t take the remarks kindly but once in a while I try to be kind to people. Not that I am kind in life, but the nature of my work demands so. While on our way, my driver almost hit two motor cyclists on different occasions who seemed absent minded. That is where it all began. The story! In the remaining part of my journey I would learn of so many things about my driver. I would find myself empathizing as well as sympathizing with him, unfortunately, I could not help.

I learnt that my driver would spend his night in one of the fields (Name withheld for his security) in the city. I didn’t want to know why because just like any other Kenyan I have a better share of my problems too. The good driver confessed that He had run away from his home and left wife and children behind. The man complained that the hard times had made it hard for him to provide “enough” for his family. My good driver told me he preferred driving the cab throughout the day while switching between the apps because each app limits how many hours a driver can work continuously. When dizzy he sleeps in a field possibly after returning the car to the owner.

My driver told me he is not alone. In his words, he told me “My brother, Kenyans are depressed; I know I am not alone”.  My driver admitted he had never used bhang in his life however he started recently and according to him it helps him forget where he is. He stopped shaving and now he sleeps today not sure how better tomorrow can be. He continued, “I am not sure who will save Kenya. It seems everyone is now on their own. Who shall save us?” I could tell there are few people that my driver had not forgiven. I then remembered I once read somewhere forgiveness doesn’t change the past, it changes the future and nothing is unforgivable.

“My brother, Kenyans are depressed; I know I am not alone”.

There are many types of depression. In this context, we can talk of two major types of depression that can be judged here; Psychotic depression and persistent depressive disorder. According to National Institute of Mental Health, USA (NIMH);

• Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations).  The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness.
• NIMH also describes Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder.

Depression manifests in different forms. However, from psychiatric perspective the following are some of symptoms of a depressed person;

• Persistent irritation.
• Constant feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.
• Appetite changes, mostly loosing appetite.
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
• Insomnia or oversleeping.
• Fatigue
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
• Headaches, cramps, aches, pains, digestive disorders e.t.c

I may not be a good psychiatrist, but are you having these symptoms? Are you experiencing any of these? How often? Cases of suicide, homicide, divorce just to name but a few are on the rise. Can we help Kenyans?

For more of these and delving into other types of depression, just click the Follow/Like Button.