Was it unwise to use "Kikuyu Proverb" in a blog title?

A few days back I mentioned the Kikuyu proverb "the firewood in the stack cannot laugh at the wood in the fireplace". I was addressing myself at both of the protagonists in the conflict in which Kenya is currently embroilled - that neither of them should delight in the fate of the other because they will all be consumed in the same fire.

I have received a comment to the effect that I should have sought an English or Swahili proverb given the prevailing situation in the country. To put a little context to this, allow me to say that I am not a Kikuyu. I learnt the proverb from my Kikuyu friend many years ago and I wear such knowledge proudly because I believe that it is not wrong to be a Kikuyu or indeed any other tribe. I did not choose what tribe I was born into; I have no business hating anyone because of theirs.

However, I understand that with the current situation in Kenya, people are easily inflamed by any tribal insinuation of the 'other' tribe. It is the essence of every Kenyan to have a political opinion at this time. I have a political opinion, and many things from the other side inflame me. My friend Paul is from the other side. We often argue, passionately, in defense of our ever divergent political positions. In matters political, we differ. But in everything else we work together. There is no right party and wrong party in Kenya now. But there are right choices and wrong choices.

Julius Kipngetich, current KWS Director once told us that we often confuse culture with heritage. Our heritage is what is handed down to us and our culture is how we live now. We choose our culture and in doing so we draw heavily from our heritage as well as the circumstances we find ourselves in and the other cultures we interract with. The way we live is upto us - its a choice!

I am proud that I can draw from such a wide array of Kenyan heritage. Even if I am not a Luo or Kalenjin, I am proud of their culture. Because theirs is Kenyan heritage - it is my heritage. As a Kenyan, though I be not a Kikuyu, theirs is a Kenyan heritage and I am proud of it. If a Kikuyu saying puts my point clearly, it is part of my heritage and I am proud of it and will use it.

Do not let the tribe of my blog title blind you - I am for peace