While most Kenyans are busy complaining and pointing fingers at their leaders for dysfunctional governments at both county and national levels, a group of thirty women are busy packing their stuff. Their destination is Kenya- Nairobi City.
Spotting a white t-shirt emblazoned with the Kenyan flag, Kea Tiffani Simmons who is among the group said she longs to settle in Kenya.
According to her, there cannot be a better replacement for Kenya. Even though she has lived in one of the most developed cities in the US, Nairobi is three times better than the city of North Carolina.
Ms Simmons has even selected a local name, Wakesho Akinyi.
A SEARCH FOR IDENTITY
Ms Simmons is the leader of a group of thirty Afro-American women who are on a five-day safari aimed at unravelling their African roots.
The visitors hail from the UK, Florida, Missouri, Virginia, Los Angeles, Vegas-Nevada, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi and Carolina. They jetted into Kenya a few days ago.
RACISM
The women were open enough to reveal the reason behind their resolution.
They said they are tired of being labelled Blacks in America.
The women have been forced to live in constant fear for their lives because of their black skin. It is as if Black lives do not matter since they always fear of being shot.
Ms Simmons also added that they are tired of being called Americans. She is the founder of World Views Organisation and has already acquired property in Juja.
NEW IDENTITY
Ms Simmons says she can’t wait to relocate to Kenya. She has even taken on a new name Akinyi which means born in the morning.
Her new name is symbolic of how good it feels to wake up in the morning and feel you are no longer discriminated against due to your race.
The mother of one is already working on her residency papers and if all goes well she plans to apply for Kenyan citizenship.
KENYAN MAGIC
Ms Simmons says she is greatly enchanted by the warmth and friendly nature of Kenyans, not forgetting the varied cultures that blend with western values.
She seems enthralled by the Maasai culture. She referred to the Maasai as the last Samurai.
The 30 women are planning to get new Kenyan names from Mijikenda elders before returning to the US.
They believe this is the closest link to their roots since it is the departure point of ships laden with African slaves more than three years ago.
