KANYI GIOKO: Let’s not demonise acquisition of wealth in offshore accounts

Wealth is everybody’s dream. People have different meanings attached to this word.

Some are biased towards good health, while others tend to focus more on the material trappings, with a good majority belonging to the middle school of thought that maintains a good balance between the two.

The offshore debates have ignited a huge uproar in mainstream media, with a corresponding loud conversation heating up social spaces.

It is amazing how Kenyans are mastering double standards and raising this art to a national preoccupation. 

We need to practice tolerance and understand that all of us belong here. Granted, we are not the same in so many ways.

We have different cultures, tribes, religions, riches, gender, and inclinations, to name but a few, but this should be our basis to hold together in a melting pot of diversity.

Throwing jabs at people because they are richer than you is so neanderthal and stuff made of primal instincts.

Should your hard work pay off and you find yourself living a better life, would you be comfortable if you were a constant victim of jibes and political innuendos? Why then would you subject the same to a fellow citizen?

Work hard and build your wealth, spread it out both within the country and offshore to mitigate against the volatile markets so that you are assured of good returns at any one time.

If you belong to a SaccoO, an investment club, or even a bank, the chances are that your wealth is collectively being invested offshore for the same reasons outlined above.

But a billionaire amidst us, who utilizes the same plans, is subjected to scrutiny and loaded innuendos.

We need to stop being petty and face the bitter truth that is readily available to us.

I am not endorsing corruption, however, I will defend the rights of all Kenyans regardless of their standing in society.

We are all equally entitled to the protection of the constitution.

Let’s be truthful in our engagements as we insulate ourselves against toxic politics.

Defend the liberties of the guy next door to make this country a safer place for all of us. 

The writer comments on topical issues.

 

Edited by Kiilu Damaris