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Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what we were taught in history books and how that compares to the reality we’ve come to understand. If I remember correctly, the narrative was that missionaries came to Africa to share the gospel. Then, upon discovering this “wonderful land,” they called their brothers—the colonizers—who came in and took control.
But something about that has always felt incomplete.
One detail that struck me recently came while I was watching the series The Crown—particularly Season 1. I realized that the King (and later the Queen) wasn’t just the head of the British Empire, but also the head of the Church of England. That discovery made me question the separation we were taught to believe existed between the missionaries and the colonizers. In truth, they both answered to the same authority. So while they might have appeared to operate in different spheres—one spiritual and the other political—they were ultimately working under the same leadership.
Yet, within this complicated system, there were individuals who genuinely saw Africans as human beings—not as savages or subjects, but as brothers and sisters. They came with a sincere conviction to share the love of Christ. We see the evidence of this today in the schools, hospitals, and churches founded by missionaries. It’s clear that not all of them were driven by power or greed; some were driven by love.
This duality in history reminds me of a simple truth: even when leadership is flawed or systems are corrupt, individuals still have the power to choose what is right. And that matters.
As we celebrate Madaraka Day, we honor the brave Kenyans who fought for our freedom. But let’s not forget that not everyone resisted. Some collaborated with the colonial powers for personal gain. They were rewarded with privileges in exchange for betraying their own people. Again, this shows us that the decisions of individuals—whether heroic or harmful—shaped the course of our history.
So the question remains: what will you do with the time you’ve been given?
You might not be able to change your leader, your neighbor, or your environment. But your individual actions still count. Big or small, they matter. And collectively, they shape the future.
Wishing you a reflective and meaningful Madaraka Day.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Micah 6:8 (NIV)