By Muli wa Kyendo

African presidents – and their collaborators- get steamed up by what they consider betrayal by African writers and journalists who write negative stories about African countries and their leaders.
Well, let me take this opportunity to tell these leaders why we write negative stories about our “father lands.”
Reason No 1.
It is because we are so patriotic, we don’t mind sticking our necks out for the truth or losing our jobs or businesses if what we say will help steer our poor countries towards the path of development and wealth.

Reason No 2.
Reality in Africa is worse than the stories we write. Last night, I watched with amazement and fury, TV pictures of dry river bed of the Great Mara River. Yes, the one that only less than two years ago was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World because of the famous and unique annual wildebeest migration to Tanzania across it in the Maasai Mara. The wildebeests, which normally cross the water-filled river with thousands of hungry crocodiles chasing after, at this season, are now crossing a “dusty river.” The crocodiles have migrated or died. The usually teeming fish and hippos and the birds too have gone. Even the make-belief world of Disneyland can’t beat it.
The shocking truth is that the tourists – and there are thousands, according to information, already booked to come from all over the world – have nothing to see. Greed has already killed the newest of the Seven Wonders of the World. The entire humanity should be concerned.

Reason No. 3
Corruption among African leaders is so high; the devil himself would refuse to let them into his house. In Kenya, which I, like the American President Barack Obama, know best, there isn’t anything not affected by corruption. There is corruption the church. And there is corruption in the grave yard.
We have seen depressing corruption reverse the progress of our nation from being among the top developing nations in the world in 1963 when the country got political independence from Britain, to becoming one of the poorest nations in world today. Millions of Kenyans -aged men, aged women and helpless children, will tonight sleep without food and water because of corruption.
Reason No 4.
Journalists and writers – at least many of them – have conscience. Their conscience cannot let them rest when they see conscienceless politicians creating chaos for hard working, simple people whose only desire is to lead peaceful, plentiful lives.
We will continue to shout – yes, to place our stories on trees, on rocks, on walls – anywhere, if need be.
And with our writing, we shall “trouble deaf heaven” until it wakes up. Perhaps it will bring us a Moses!