Checking my Kikuyu Privilege in the Face of Racism | Maria Mutitu | TEDxWoosongUniversity

[@judyk607]

In other words you are a kikuyu with privilege, Am a kikuyu who grew up in poverty, and could not get a job because I was a kikuyu in Kenya

[@millybilly8210]

And you didn't have connections like she did

[@smileylady485]

Yep!

[@geraldnjenga9303]

She was so out of line. She Is out of sink.... she Is delusional

[@bornfree1595]

Am glad you fearlessly pointed out the misconception in her his-story..they fund her she has to appreciate them

[@baiya]

Could not get past 4:30 minutes. The foundation of this talk is wrong. Kikuyus were not privileged by colonialism. Kikuyus were not 'chosen' by the British as the privileged tribe as a matter of strategy. If anything Kikuyus suffered the most in the hands of colonialists. Kikuyus were not 'allowed to feel better than other tribes'. This talk is premised on rhetoric, generalisations and poorly selected bias examples.

[@anthonymwangi6746]

Same case here very biased perpective. She needs to study more on the history of Kenya.

[@Mdalasini]

Thank you.

[@margaretwanjiku3621]

I expected better research and analysis in a talk with such a title. She cites many inacurrate historical "facts". Kenya did not become a colony a mere 70 years ago. Kikuyus were not 'selected for colonial privilege' at all - on the contrary, they, with some other communities suffered under the colonial government for being agrarian farmers and traders, domiciled in some of the farmlands the settlers wanted, and then for resisting forced relocation. All Kenyan communities have rich cultural traditions and languages which should be preserved, enjoyed and passed on to future generations. Let's celebrate our diversity and engage with other Kenyans with both self confidence and with respect and appreciation for others. There is no such thing as "Kikuyu privilege" as she describes it! She herself may be from a privileged family but that has little to do with her ethnicity. The kind of Kikuyu-bashing we see on social media these days is counter-productive, a form of cyber bullying. I did not ask to be born a Kikuyu but neither will I apologise just for being one any more than I would expect anyone else to. I would however need to be more aware of how people perceive me.

[@AfricaTake2]

She definitely needs to relearn history......

[@patrickstv2010]

You are mostly right, but on " colonial privilege" she is right if she refers to education. That is why Thogoto is so popular.

[@GeorgeKiambuthi]

Probably she is a descendant of a Ngati

[@jymietv655]

They benefited with Education but those who were willing. But there are those who were opposed to the idea especially of a white man coming to their Land n dictate to them on what to do. There were those who were taken to those schools by Force n even outside Kenya. They were also the only people who were allowed Farm n sell food.

[@yahcanonbenisrael650]

@Elizabeth Irungu True Sis. Satan knew he must break the strongest pillar of that country. Our forefathers were not cowards like our men today. They knew we were superior than the other tribes. Wherever a kikuyu lands then there will be success, anything we touch multiples

[@jmunyirimunyiri9783]

Kikuyus may be arrogant and conscious of what they want in n with life but privileged by British? If there's any ethnic group British wanted to decimate it's the Gíkkúyús. She should read The British Gulalg for a start

[@kariukinjogu977]

Kenyatta made a deal with mzungu

[@Марги́Кои]

She should ask. Leave the books alone. Let her talk to those who are still alive from that time n explain to them.. for a whole culture, the mbere, kikuyus from nyeri, muranga, kiambuu n all the others to come together n agree to put whole traditions on hold to save their children, tell me how privileged they were..

[@millybilly8210]

Munyiri it's evident she missed all her history lessons.......she doesn't know our history she needs a sitting with Kimathi's wife, Gitu wa Kahengeri and they'll remind her of what transpired in colonial era ......the amount of ignorance displayed here makes me sick

[@millybilly8210]

Kariuki Njogu Kindly highlight me on the details of the deal please

[@horatiusmzaledo1698]

The book British gulag was written by a lady from the same country where you are. Her account was from eye witnesses or rather the victims. This may cause you to recount this false unresearched narrative.

[@THEEck5000]

This is a load of garage..Kikuyus were disproportionately attacked by the British, dislocated from our lands and put into concentration camps for fighting back. The countries independence is due to Kikuyus work. This is so ridiculous.

[@_.waryaa4078]

@yvette monk maasai collaborated bruh

[@_.waryaa4078]

@yvette monk oh yah tnx for the info nd it's true many kenyan communities fought for it only citing dat it was kikuyus only is jus disrespect to the other communities

[@briansosick2014]

@jeme dari waiyaki was half Kikuyu and half maasai and he was the first to also fight back and sparked the need for the fight

[@theunpassiveobserverglobal1895]

@kijani greens but all the same no one is taking away your Kenyanhood. Please write all both good and bad for both exist together & are in operation. Your own life has good bad moments. To achieve anything you struggle. We are all brothers and I know we will make a better present and future. I apologise to you if I offended you.

[@theunpassiveobserverglobal1895]

@kijani greens we have all been affected by this that is true. And honestly I can't see it ending any time soon with the current generation that is in power.

[@wanjiru2556]

What about all the kikuyus in slums and living in absolute poverty? That's still priviledge?

[@2Ariam]

Social privilege doesn’t guarantee financial success or social upward mobility...

[@loner844]

there are intersections of identity. one can be privileged in one aspect, and unprivileged in another. socially privileged on one hand and financially unprivileged in another.

[@wanjiru2556]

@@loner844 I understand "perceived priveldge" by others due to ignorance or single story kind of wisdom but if you live in our country amongst regular kikuyus in a regular village or slum, priviledge in reference to them is pretty much an insult

[@gaboonviper9705]

I knew ng'ombe itatokea tu

[@wanjiru2556]

@@gaboonviper9705 ng'mbe umeona wape lakini? It's called difference of opinion. Sometimes that could sound like a cow depending on the person

[@vw2327]

The title should be ''privileges of a home guard's,daughter in Kenya''. She is I'll equipped and unfairly privileged to do this talk.

[@romanlepricon]

Smh😒so I person in a position of privilege is the wrong person to give a talk about privilege please take a 💺

[@vw2327]

@@romanlepricon if u understand how home guards 'pseudo colonialists'' impoverished the community she pretends to speak on behalf.......🐗🐗 gluttons.

[@martingitau5228]

Clearly this woman is lying

[@charliejasemeogwel6745]

The truth really hurts!! She is just stating the entitlement of the Kikuyu community and how they always feel they are superior over other communities and deserve more than the rest in anything and everything in Kenya...

[@ian_gaita]

​@@charliejasemeogwel6745in that aspect she's speaking the truth...but other than that she needs to check her facts about the Agikuyu .. she's lying alot

[@waimbuthia820]

This is such nonsense I can't even continue watching. Talk about yourself. YOU DON'T REPRESENT THE WHOLE GROUP OF AGIKUYU! Uroka haha gucambia ruriri ruothe! Thii na kui!

[@erastusmutahi8817]

Whose this? Am a kikuyu.ur dilussional.come live in Kenya then give pple a righous talk

[@munuku]

Interesting talk though I don't think any Kenyan tribe is privileged ... The privilege (& lack thereof) that exists/doesn't is simply between 2 categories: the rich & poor Kenyans. Just because leaders in Kenya represent one tribe or the other doesn't warrant a blanket generalisation that everyone in those ethnic communities they represent are privileged. Kenya is a subtle oligarchy (maybe not so subtle anymore) where families that made it big from shortly post-colonial years plundered and sold-out their way to the wealth they possess today. Tribal politics is used as a smoke-screen to the real issue - wanton & seemingly chronic corruption. Personally I have NEVER benefitted from being a member of my community, if anything, I once 'lost out' because the company that I applied a job for thought they had 'too many' of us. This is something many Kenyans can attest to: I have worked in the informal settlements with persons from various ethnic communities who face the same plight defined by one thing - POVERTY - in the same way the business & political elite play golf together defined by one thing - THEIR WEALTH. Lastly, I feel a point to ponder is that the real 'privilege' is perhaps that borne by certain people from certain backgrounds of advantage (i.e. whose parents could afford to fly them out to the global North) who then access certain platforms to express themselves ;-) Tafakari hio. If nothing I have said makes sense, the short of it is that I disagree with what is said in this talk. TEDx Parklands - I can give a free talk on 'Privilege' :-)

[@Christinebih]

Not true, in Nairobi ask for a job as a Luhya in a Kikuyu business, you will see. Kikuyu's have a lot of privileges in Kenya and as someone who is half Luhya and half Kikuyu its really evident to see the privilege that I have by being Kikuyu (my middle name is Kikuyu and IN Kenya that's what I go by) in comparison to being another tribe.

[@nyambura1966]

It makes sense to those who wish to make sense of it. The concept of privilege here seems to be borrowed from a western centred perspective, which put in an African context can be misleading. The smoke screen has been weaponized to divide and conquer. They learnt from the best. Whether classism, tribalism, nepotism, we are all fed this us vs them fodder. And we lick it up good because of a cultivated fear! Fear of losing power, threat of perceived scarcity, fear of truth, justice, whatever. Africa needs to resist against the sickness that is its leadership

[@makanaki513]

Amen! Ukweli Usemwe!

[@makanaki513]

@@Christinebih perhaps you should start using the "other" name too. Luhyia people are known for a great work ethic. I can attest to my 3 great thorough english teachers back in primary school, and my caring auntie.

[@prettysly7611]

@@Christinebih the same way mkikuyu akikam kutafuta kazi bungoma he/she will most likely not be employed

[@catkay9528]

What a waste of a Ted talk

[@stevetherush1193]

Ok, there's such a thing as privilege, for sure, and tribalism in this country, but don't blame your people for how YOU treat people, grow up and act how you'd like to treat others One of my best friends is a Luo, and my mother has had to overwork and even get second jobs to provide...I don't know what this speaker is talking about here The truth is She is the one who is privileged, while we here are just hustling daily

[@lolo-hp3bt]

who is filling her head with this nonesense? ngai

[@MultiYoutub1]

Ndiyuwe!

[@YellowSynth]

The white man

[@kariukinjogu977]

Anasema ukweli

[@justinamusyoka4986]

@@kariukinjogu977 ukweli to those who feel the privilege but insult to those Kenyans trying hard to change the system .

[@evfuture6643]

Huyu hajawai patana na wajaluo. 🤣🤣🤣🤣.

[@gachuchakariuki1484]

Hahaha she has explained about being oblivious, Gikuyus here are just proving her right. Jege ici

[@sisi11122]

I'm telling you Aizo Rian. Amazing! 🙄🙄

[@2Ariam]

I’m telling you..

[@nationalist5422]

@@2Ariam You are pathetic, rich, spoiled, born to a home guard family. We will make an example of you home guards again.

[@nancymorogo519]

I see it too.

[@widb_podcast]

Kikuyu people are not priveledged they are entitled. Am a kikuyu who struggle like everyone else in my country.

[@joekabbz82kambo26]

Yes we are entitled like any other tribe , but from a social and financial perspective we are definitely privileged. Entitlement is more of a personality trait based on a set of beliefs 😅 let's rule it out.

[@gakahuruko2331]

Historical fact is that Gikuyu people suffered more under British rule. If it wasn't for the Mau Mau freedom fighter Kenya would have remained under colonial control for a long time.

[@BeeSugar1]

Another fallacy

[@deniskanja1952]

@@BeeSugar1 Kenya was to become another part of the British Empire just like New Zealand South Africa and Australia check your history

[@deniskanja1952]

@@jaycool5978 ancestry British are you hearing you self Australian belongs to the aboriginal people and not the British prisoners who founded the country

[@deniskanja1952]

@@jaycool5978 Hey am just pointing out past injustice committed by you fellow countrymen less we forget

[@wycliffelevigan6702]

@@jaycool5978 stop gaslighting we are not falling for that

[@Mdalasini]

Shame! Shame! Shame! Using the tribe of Gikuyu to gain clout. This one cannot even speak fluent Gikuyu! Shame!

[@wanjiruwaramaauthor4024]

Ms. Mutitu needs to read more about Kenya's colonization and the history of the Agikũyũ (Kikuyu in Kiswahili) versus the British. (If she can read in Gȋkũyũ, she can start with Agȋkũyũ: 1890 - 1965 Waiyaki-Kenyatta-Kimaathi). She's way off about the British favoring the Kikuyu, and if they did, she should find out the reason why. And I don't want to start with the three generations that fought the British, the last one being the Mau Mau era where Agȋkũyũ died in the thousands under the British colonialists' hands.

[@jekeriahmuslimah6054]

The only priviledge was by accident when the British left and we inherited schools and hospitals. the rest of her speeches was hogwash. Kikuyus suffered under the British and the only ones who benefitted from colonisation were the home guards which i beleive were her ancestors.

[@CathyAnjuri-ls6ru]

Agreed I was thinking the same thing. The history is off. However the personal development aspects of self reflection and treating people fairly is good. I don’t agree with the tribal privilege at all. Most of the land taken and people who died the most under British suppression were the Gema people.

[@hellespont1]

You have your facts sooo wrong!! Your have your facts upside down. It's kikuyus whose land the British actively stole and relocated them everywhere else. It was kikuyus who were sent to Burma to fight in a war they had no idea what it was about, it was kikuyus were heavily affected during the mau mau war against the British and caught the most flak(including detention) The kikuyus you speak about are the sons and daughters of British collaborators including head chiefs, home guards who sold their kinsmen so that they would inherit power when the colonialists left. This is where I suspect you belong and got your 'social privilege' from

[@danieljones2048]

Absolutely not true. This theory flies in the face of reality. If it is true that the Kikuyu were 'chosen' by the British colonialists, the Kikuyu would not have taken to the forests to claim their land and freedom. They Mau Mau roll over in their graves. It is true the British privileged a few families who were called 'home guards'. Needless to say they were not loved. The lady is trying to retell history. I call BS.

[@deniskanja1952]

The lady is a product of home guards off course she feels privileged

[@stevemachua8858]

There are spaces where my name just is the wrong name. No one wants to hear my point of view just because of my name. The misunderstanding of facts. My being a Gikiyu person has never opened doors for me. There is a lot of miss information out there. Where politicians miss inform their people and make them angry at my people just to get a vote. We marry and live and do business together, it's untill it's elections time that this things come out. You know I am in the slams with you, how can you say I have any privelege here? This discussion is all about politics and nothing else. Why is it wrong to speak my language in public? I don't see any English man apologising to a French man because he spoke his language to his fellow English man. If I meet my fellow Gikiyu, why should I use English just because you are there? I am not talking to you. I'm am not asking you to learn my language. If i turn to you, I will speak to you in a language that we can both understand. But don't force me to use any other language to my fellow Kingsman. If the English gave us anything and liked us, we would not have fought him. We and all other peoples of Kenya fought to get him who was not from here out. We did it together, because we all suffered together.

[@KateblessingJoe93]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MrTabasamu]

The "privilege" she's talking about is leftist nonsense borrowed from the West.

[@bikokamau1511]

She is a Ngati....ati our name open doors...😂😂😂😂....this kind of talk is the reason why tribalism will never end....ile ku hustle tuna hustle hii mtaa alafu mtu aniambie niko privileged coz mimi ni mkikuyu tunaweza kosana vibaya sana...

[@marting9720]

It is a pity to indicate that the British gave privileges to the Kikuyu instead of showing how they targeted the group to ensure that their colonial plans would be successful. You probably comes from another planet

[@makanaki513]

This woman forgets that the majority of the gikuyu population suffered the most in british detention camps during colonisation where a good number of the warders carrying out the dirtywork were from 'collaborator' chief families all over east Africa

[@MrTabasamu]

Maybe she's a descendant of the collaborative chiefs' families.

[@Mdalasini]

A descendant of a HOME GUARD! We what a shame!

[@bonifacekerima573]

🤭

[@garamabe6891]

Chasing clout by denigrating a whole community is weak.

[@MySAMUEL32]

So the street kids in Nairobi who are mainly kikuyu are also privileged

[@kennedyngumba320]

Clearly this is a lie British decimated the Gikuyu.... Took our land, your so called privilege is as a result of kikuyu fighting and taking their land

[@gyeboor1270]

Does that justify the kikuyu taking land from others?

[@paulnjuki8440]

@@gyeboor1270 what land?

[@gyeboor1270]

@@paulnjuki8440 Laikipialand for example. Did he british take that from the kikuyu?

[@paulnjuki8440]

@@gyeboor1270 lands a very emotive topic..i dont own any land in laikipia..have never bn into those lands bt i know most the land is owned by foreigners not even locals and not particularly by kiuks;most

[@gyeboor1270]

@@paulnjuki8440 Exactly, what does not concern you is non existent in all practical sense. However it could be bothersome to some people. Land or capital and power impacts people differently some detrimentally. Privilege does exist, it may not be deliberate bu it pays to be aware and mitigate it by any means possible at our disposal. By doing good to society in general, we are in it together, he privileged and the disadvantaged.

[@antonyhiuhu1189]

Clearly this lady doesn't understand Kenyan history and talking about privileges I can't relate to that sorry

[@theplaylist7828]

Deranged talk... Why did the privileged tribe she talks about become the ones to fight to death for their own land.

[@Ladypeace12312]

Am kikuyu, l don't agree with her thou. Many kikuyus are living in poverty too

[@kinyanjuigichuki1046]

Tell George Kinuthia of such privilege when he had to change his name to a Masai name, SAITOTI, so as not to be denied opportunities during the emergency. Tell me the number if any of kikuyus who went to U.S during the Kennedy airlifts.

[@jessekimani4043]

Wangari Maathai and plenty others were airlifted by Mboya to US

[@paulkanja6492]

Why would be a 'privileged tribe' by the British be at the forefront to fight for independence? You should've packaged your presentation better. Don't mistake the majority as a privilege. The largest tribe doesn't equate to being privileged.

[@BBZoneasembotop10]

You missed the point ,They are a majoirty who have enjoyed state dispensation ever since independence than any other Kenyan tribe

[@alitheia_]

The Critical Race theory is just Hogwash. Large ethnic communities often have some advantages collectively but that doesn't mean individuals from the group are privileged. It has been observed that Asians often have higher SAT scores that cannot and should not be held against them as privilege. Let avoid saying that the privilege is unrecognisable, if it exists we should see it. As a Kenyans who has lived in Bungoma, Kitale, Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi I have not seen this purported madness. Everyone faces similar problems we cry the same tears and shade the same blood.

[@maybabyanyango1738]

She’s just admitting that she was raised as a tribalist by her parents. Nothing new. She’s confusing tribalism and privilege. She’s the kind of person you wouldn’t want to be around and she’s a lie through and through.

[@moxide]

It means the same thing, tribalism would give privilege to those in power at least you must give her props for admitting it because those who have advantages because of tribalism deny it all the time.

[@wanjiruwaramaauthor4024]

I hadn't thought about that angle; personal privilege vs. group privilege. I agree with. P/S noticed I commented on a different a/C from my main English one

[@theafricangirl5125]

The corrupt Agikuyu ruling class may be less than one percent of the gikuyu people however, majority of the agikuyu are poor working class, misused and abused. Every community has leaders that sell the needs of the people. Politricks has the Agikuyu people following corrupt folks, just like other communities. Let's be fair in these assessments

[@johnmachira8418]

Let us report this video for being tribal .... This type of talks lead to violence

[@ian_gaita]

She looks like she's talking sense but after listening to her she needs to check her facts coz she doesn't know what she's talking about

[@m.n5084]

As a fellow Kikuyu, I don't think we're privileged. I think kikuyus are very business minded and will do ANYTHING for money which why Kikuyus are the most economically developed in Kenya but not because they're any privileged.

[@jamesnjoga7824]

kikuyus are not privileged at all!! I am a kikuyu and I don't see how the said privilege has helped me in my life.What I can say is that they have a location advantage. Kikuyu homeland is just right next to Nairobi. Nairobi account for more than 40 % of the Kenya GDP and that closeness to the Kenyan market gives them an advantage when it comes to business. Remember that business been business means that the advantage does not shield them from the usual hardship that all other business men encounters. They suffer just like any other tribe in Kenya. So I am sorry to say that may be you have stayed in the USA for a long time that you have lost connection with the normal life of a Kikuyu hustler!!

[@justtimes9257]

James Muthee truth

[@ElishaKiptukyokip]

I respectfully disagree with you. Kikuyu privilege is a real phenomenon. The hustling you talk about is held up by structures that are set up quite well. The first president of Kenya having been Kenyatta gave you guys a headstart.

[@deniskanja1952]

@@ElishaKiptukyokip dude stop being delusional moi ruled Kenya for 29 years and he strongly consolidated power to his kin folks

[@ElishaKiptukyokip]

@@deniskanja1952 that's true. The discourse being interrogated here is Kikuyu privilege, which Kalenjin privilege is a part of.

[@jamesnjoga7824]

@@ElishaKiptukyokip How so ? Which structures are you talking about? I would love you to show me the said structures and who wrote them. It is kind like the conspiracy theories that abound the world that have no roots but people believe them. Conspiracies like there are some Illuminati who controls the world, conspiracies that Rothschild family still controls the banking system. American republicans or the deplorables have a knack with conspiracies. It is simple, kikuyus are a group of people who individually wakes up each day to look for their self interest. They will even kill each other for gain to survive. But this particular group of people will group together and join hands when there is an external enemy ( read election in Kenya). The enemy (Raila, Moi, Ruto or whoever) must be defeated. When the elections are over and victory won, then it is going back to brothers killing each other for land. Children suing parents for land. Watch a documentaries of lions eating. It is just vicious!! A family of lions eating is just not a place to be. But the same will groom each other and play after the food. Nothing separates a lion family like food but nothing unites the family like nomad male lions prowling around their territory. We call it survival . Quite strong with this group of people.

[@blinkarmystayonceforever5612]

I love how almost everyone in the comments saying she's lying is Kikuyu.

[@theunpassiveobserverglobal1895]

Hi Angelina I know you really want what she is saying to be true but tribalism actually started by the British was an act to suppression of the Gema community which was fighting the British. A lot of Kenyans that supported the British and were guards police cooks and servants to the British were never 99% Gema community.

[@DorcyDel]

You know!!! I was looking through the comments and I am like...please, Kikuyus with less privilege than rich Kikuyus, chill... you are not "other tribes"...you actually don't know and you are actually reacting the exact same way white people react when they are told they have privilege. I personally know Luos with very ambiguous names; dropping the "0/A" at the beginning of our names to reduce the possible future discrimination. I know parents who have given their kids Swahili and Yoruba names (like no Luo name in the birth cert) to distance themselves from being identified as Luo. Meanwhile, Kikuyus will call themselves Mumbi wa Kamau and not think twice, even feel a ka something like "mmmmh .... I wonder whether this name will hinder my job prospects in the future" "Other tribes" do the same thing blacks do in the US...have a "White sounding" name

[@theunpassiveobserverglobal1895]

@@DorcyDel just one more thing being free from the Shackels is only possible from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Son of the One and only Living and true GOD. Everything I have said above is useless if you do not have a true relationship with GOD. I can't libarate you no amount of talking or discussion or points proven can libarate you but God alone.

[@wanjiru2556]

Ofcourse kikuyus would know best if they are privileged or not. How can you be the expert on someone else's experience and ignore their reality?

[@kariukinjogu977]

Kikuyu we are privileged .. In fact we think that god is kikuyu

[@elizabethbeatricembugua3093]

I don't agree with you Maria. The Britons weren't interested in kikuyus, kikuyus are chosen by God. We all in this world should agree of being different but equal, human beings. You are telling a wrong story Of Kenya and kikuyus at large. We have a lot of kikuyus still struggling in Kenya. Kikuyus are large in numbers because they are farmers

[@apriliacess8053]

Oh my God ,she is one of the priviledged,other kikuyus are hardworking and business oriented.😎.l am a kikuyu in diaspora.

[@gathonishumpei9939]

The word priviledge does not take the place of hard work, neither does it guarantee wealth and wellbeing. Working hard does not mean that you are not priviledged. The priviledged are often times very hardworking. You are priviledged to be literate, but not hard working enough to grasp the context and impact of priviledge as Maria so eloquently explains it.

[@apriliacess8053]

@@gathonishumpei9939 she said her name could open doors so priviledged in that context

[@Soniarayray]

@@apriliacess8053 the context was in Kenya in specific areas.

[@johnkairu2388]

That is not true.

[@Марги́Кои]

How dare you. Speaking my language in a party is my right as a Kikuyu speaker. Our culture was taken from us, n you think that makes us special? Do you know how many people are digging into their past to try and learn about their family's culture at the moment? He muma wanyuirwo níguo uhonokie rúríri. He ciugo ciaugiro, citakaugúkwo todo akui nimakuire. Miuma yatúra íríaga Gíkúyú gitú. Still you gonna call this tribal? I wish we all accepted who we are n just embrace each others uniqueness instead of trying to make people speak one language, n look the same n act the same.

[@wavidani]

Maria, I'm not sure I agree with you. To remove emotion, let's use non Kenyans. What's wrong with an Italian speaking in Italian to a fellow Italian? Even if they are in a public space? A train? Bus? International company at work? I think it's the most natural thing to do. Correct me if I'm wrong. No tribes, no emotion, use international tribes

[@janifferkisule5672]

The Kenyan context is a little complicated . People feel that Kiswahili should be used in public places. Speaking ones native language is seen as very offensive.

[@deniskanja1952]

@Anonymous I think it's only a problem when Kikuyu do it

[@bamboowarrior1833]

@@deniskanja1952 exactly

[@NurseJamu]

I live in Meru but I am a kikuyu. Here almost everyone speaks kimeru and expects you to understand it whether or not you're from there. At first I was shocked but then I really came to appreciate it and even learnt the language. I thinks it's all about perception. Why get offended over someone speaking their mother tongue to another person? People should learn to just mind their own business!

[@nicholaskiama5944]

You just wasted my time

[@joenmuthiga9712]

This is very shallow analysis. The British did not priviledge the Agikuyu, to the contrary they took their land and displaced them because it was good agriculture and confiscated their livestock. The Agikuyu suffered more under the british occupation than all the other kenyan tribes combined; this included concentration camps and massacres of whole villages. The british lied about the agukuyu to the other tribes to entrench hatred and division, it is pitiable that you have fallen for it. How unfortnate!

[@niccykariuki4689]

Does she Even know what she us talking about. She has lived in the diaspora too long to the point she knows nothing.

[@pithuroysa7014]

Kikuyus were not privileged by colonialists check our history of the mau mau fighters. but kikuyus have a deep pride in their cultural identity. Ms Mutitu confuses ethnocentrism and cultural encapsulation with privilege! This is not unique to the kikuyus but occurs in every culture that takes pride in it's heritage and identity. unless cultural pride = privilege.

[@moxide]

This reminds me of the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe, i am pretty sure Kikuyus can't be any worse coz Shonas dominate virtually everything in Zimbabwe leaving little to no chance for anybody else.

[@nyunguyamawe.]

Funny you should say that. There's a Shona diaspora in Kenya. Guess who they chose to live among?

[@Mr.George.N]

Am 100% Sure that my Old Grandparents will tell a different story. I guess her story is from Mzungu books

[@wanjiruwaramaauthor4024]

You are right. I'm older and grew up on a colonial farm. So, I have a story or two to tell. Actually, I'm onto my second book of a series set on the colonial farm. Although it's a family memoir, I will include some of the issues that will question the privilege she's talking about.

[@chegekarumba3395]

Why would you feed the world this kind of misinformation? Kikuyus treated with privilege by colonialists, clearly you have not read deeply enough. Let me just give you a small snippet, MauMau movement, a resistance movement, a guerrilla movement fighting for independence was mainly a Kikuyu community formation was because they were resistors, not collaborators. Probably the reason why the colonists had more interest with the community was because their lands is what they wanted. They wanted the highlands, where the weather could almost mimic the European weather. Please read. I am an offended Kikuyu.

[@Mdalasini]

Imagine!!! why??

[@simonm354]

Mau Mau were killed by British and tortured while other tribes were busy collaborating with British..Which Previlege is she talking about

[@jamescurls8639]

And if this woman talking has had doors opened from her, it is doors opened by connected and corrupt people that she knows. The rest of us have had to struggle against hatred of Kikuyus and poverty! I remember I had to use a person of another tribe to have my passport processed without a bribe because of the hatred my name would have attracted. I have put this video in context from my other comment for anybody who is interested.

[@MultiYoutub1]

This on so many levels indicates your own individual privilege... I think learning what privilege is and wanting to copy-paste it or generalize in other people's lived situation, is not critical and especially in post-colonial contexts. Yhoooooo! 😒

[@theblackryvius6613]

I am actually so confused on what’s going on in this comment section. Half of it is “well said” and the other half is “not well said”

[@kjkamaujnr3861]

There was no privilege I can justify with a 5minutes statement, why is it that of all Veterans Dedan Kimathi had to die a painful death and His body dumped where only God knows where. The principle used never made us privileged that is why MAU MAU raised. Women and many Kikuyu women died taking food deep to the forest to feed the veterans of the war that aimed to bring back stolen lands and of course overthrow the British it was a bloody scene. I repeat there were no privileges it was a divide and conquer rule.

[@retiredgoblin9709]

Ignorance is like sleep. Your initial reaction is to get angry at the person who wakes you up. At least that is what I am observing in here.

[@mwas4299]

Am a Kikuyu person and I don't like other tribe they never fight for independence

[@jessekimani4043]

😂😂😂😂make friendships with books,umepotea

[@horatiusmzaledo1698]

Kikuyus privileged ?, not really !. During colonial times it is the kikuyus who mostly lost their fertile land only to be made squatters by these colonialists. Many communities who didn't loose land welcomed the colonizers because they offered them menial jobs which they were happy about. On the other hand kikuyus were agitated because of what they had undergone and begun to fight for independence to get back what they lost. During this time kikuyus were denied education . After independence is when, they as hard working people have created wealth which makes them look like they are privileged but still they are very much represented among the poor masses in Kenya.

[@warsameguhaadbahdoon6401]

I am a graduate student in Germany. I am from North-Eastern Kenya, Wajeer County, and hence an Ethnic Somali. Whenever I tell other people I am from Kenya, the reaction is always 'you dont look Kenyan'. I wonder if other Kenyan were ever told that they didnt look Kenyan? and how is a Kenyan supposed to look like? Her story is inspiring and succinct. She has transcended the tribal 'chock-holds', this is enlightenment I guess.

[@makanaki513]

Kenyans look different but definately its not strictly along tribal lines. There are so many types of kikuyu, let alone Somalis. I am a maasai-looking kikuyu and i have relatives with borana-looking skin n hair. Tribal lines just skew the works of genetics because someone has a certain name

[@makanaki513]

@alex B. there is also the aspect of environmental influences that make people who are seemingly of the same descent look like they are different. Lets not participate in racial and colourist divisions that are characteristic of other continents and not Africa. We have more resources than we can ever need

[@theunpassiveobserverglobal1895]

What people are these you telling your not from Kenya. Germans? Polish? Russian? Indians? Syrians? Pakistanis who bro? Anyway everyone apart from East Africans think am from Somalia when they meet me here in UK. But am not from Somalia Ndugu.

[@user-vu8zy1pu3v]

@@makanaki513 what are the different types of kikuyu looks

[@normanthenormand7554]

Mosr foreign people think we all look kalenjins runners because those are the only people they see on TV. So when you look a little light skinned they think you are not kenyan. I've been told that several times because I'm light skinned and medium built. They think all Kenyans are skinny, dark and with big heads 🤣

[@YellowSynth]

Why she wearing South African clothing. This is nonsense talks

[@makanaki513]

Ask her a little louder

[@wilsonokoth1798]

The theory of privilege is hard to understand especially if you aren't at the top of the "privilege pyramid". That's why we have people here asking which privileges do we enjoy as a tribe. Her incorrect facts also aren't helping. All in all privilege exists and it takes a lot to recognize it especially for those in it.

[@briansosick2014]

Agikuyu lost all their lands to the British and were put in concentration camps for ages. What are you talking about?

[@dianamwangi8726]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dianamwangi8726]

No wonder we had the mau mau

[@justinamusyoka4986]

She's white.

[@AfroQueenWaMtKenya]

You could have articulated this much differently. You just took white privilledge and plastered the Kikuyu tribe allover it. White privilledge is not the same as tribalism. You should know where tribalism originates from. Another thing, the British did not give kikuyus privilege so as divide and conqure. This is so far from the truth. You should do your research about your culture. Kikuyus and the Bantus of Africa have suffered trauma because it is these people that have resisted colonialism first, in collaboration with other Africans. You have watered down your experience of racism in the USA by making it seem the same as tribalism. Tribalism is a European construct , a tactic used all over Africa and other colonized nations of the world,maybe this is what you wished to discuss???because the only privilledged kikuyus to this day are the homeguards and their offspring.

[@SueKim527]

Utter rubbish. You need to do accurate research. How dare you stand there and lie about the Agikuyu people and colianialism.

[@catherinequill7811]

Africans are complex.. You are wearing Zulu Jewelry.. a Nigerian skirt and you are speaking of Kikuyu privilege? As a Kikuyu I don't think we have "privilege". As a country we have nepotism, tribalism and corruption. The fact that we are more than everybody else puts us at odds with them. It seems that we are everywhere because we are more in numbers.

[@diggysimmons4132]

She is not a Kikuyu. We don't relate with whatever she's saying

[@Jenniferspace]

🤣🤣🤣 i knw right

[@benjaminsmith2287]

People will often try to make their group better than another one. It's not always based on any external factor. Ethnic tensions are big around the world. I do not make this comment about or against any particular group of people, in this case the Kikuyus, I'm just stating that this happens.

[@sisi11122]

Asante Benjamin.

[@NdiziMoto-vh1gr]

But in the case it is based on external factors

[@bujunjeri1963]

This lady knows nothing about Kikuyu . i thought tht she was going to speak about our rich culture,inequalities tht we suffered since time in memorial. Our closeness to the creator The all Mighty, & thts why thy always hated us(why are thy so much loved) Thts our pride & gladness.And bcoz of tht we are a great ppl. A ppl blessed with fertile land(eden),a ppl blessed with wisdom, appl blessed with a good heart most accommodating ppl in the world. See we know our previlaged tht has been bestowed on us and with tht in mind we dont show off, we are humbled by all tht & all we want to do is give thanks to our Creator Ngai.

[@kellsdev4473]

Ahh thuz it, the obliviousness she talking about, speaking about your "rich" culture like others are poor.

[@placeswithah6656]

@@kellsdev4473 very biased. Stop projecting inferiority complex. Just because someone says a certain culture is rich does not mean other cultures aint. Hio ni kujijazia

[@jesseewachirandungu8029]

She is very right coz if you are Kikuyu you may not experience other tribes perspective of the Kikuyu. I have interacted with other tribes who have never gone to central province and their perpsective is that we have high standards of living, good schools, good hospitals, abudant food etc. Its a perspective that has no reality on the ground. Thats why you here terms like 'Wananchi' and 'Wenyenchi'

[@irungugateru9971]

I would like to know from which family this Prof comes from coz that can explain alot. She just displaying utter ignorance of the Kenya am in.

[@kevinmarshall7771]

Man I thought I was loosing my hearing 😂😂🤷🏾‍♂️🙆🏾‍♂️

[@mumbingigi645]

It's sad that some people will choose to believe the lies presented. Your perception of Kenya is very shallow and full of ignorance with biased opinions are based solely on feelings not research. Kikuyu is the largest tribe in Kenya not the second. When the British colonised Kenya, they settled in the highland areas thus pushing certain tribes into concentration camps eg Kikuyu, Maasai, Kalenjin. The few who collaborated with the British were treated better ( got western education, converted to Christianity, became chiefs). Majority joined the Mau mau rebellion and were killed, jailed and never got their land back, some up until today. The so called 'privileged' Kikuyu are among the richest Kenyans today probably because they chose to collaborate.The rest struggle to survive just like everybody else. You are privileged, having gone to study abroad. Most likely are from a wealthy family. In Kenya we need unity to fight corruption and poverty not tribalism.

[@xbeatjoe3671]

She doesn't know what she's saying coz she happens to come from a wealthy Kikuyu family. Actually most Kikuyus in the village are in poverty. It's the only tribe where you have extremely rich people, and extremely poor people by design

[@johnmachira8418]

This is misleading and spam ..... Her family must have inherited mzungu land thus she could afford her priviledges

[@wangarindungu1286]

That's your point of view thus your truth but not the truth

[@emmanueltsuma4997]

What she said is 100% fact..if you agree there's tribalism in kenya,you should also agree some communities are more privileged than others

[@stanleymwangi6524]

This lady is clever, but she is not very wise.

[@makanaki513]

She is neither clever nor wise for USA-washing kikuyu history in the safety bubble of her surname

[@felistershiku4358]

I can’t believe I just listened to this this is terrible oh my 🥺

[@kinyanjuigichuki1046]

What did I just listen to

[@simonm354]

THIS MAASAI KIKUYU

[@lostkeykk]

Thanks for highlighting this sensitive topic . I believe ,you just opened the Pandora of tribalism in Kenya.

[@justinamusyoka4986]

BBI working things out!

[@peet093]

I can guarantee you that she’s a descendant of a home guard..

[@Pan_AfricanViewpoint]

She's even using a FAKE American accent. A very misinformed character. Gikuyu (Kikuyu, Embu, Meru) people suffered so much under British colonialism. She sounds like the few descendants of HOME GUARDS(Ngaati) who were selected for privilege and to oppress the MAJORITY MAUMAU and their descendants

[@samuelkmaina]

I find parts of the presentation to be misinformation. Kikuyus were intended for extinction by colonialist were it not for their forefathers fighting back and in the processes some hgetting assimilated into European religious beliefs, education, and lifestyles. While in the process suffering a great amount of Cultural Erosion and Erasure. Speaking ones language of birth is not a priviledge. It is a Natural right, as much as a Rose blooms in it colors and scent despite the presence of other plants and flowers. Do we condemn a French person who speaks to his fellow Frenchman in French while in the presence of Englishman/Spanish because they are among English/Spanish persons? Nature is diverse and diversity is not a priviledge. Genetics do seem to 'priviledge' some. However, time, place, and season determines how natural adaptations blossom, and therefore seem priviledged as a result. Kikuyus were not priviledged to suffer gruesome murders and exploitation at the hands of European settlers. They were not priviledged to have a land highly coverted by settlers for growing cash crops. Indeed I would go so far as to state that they were lucky to escape genocide. The only check we can put on .priviledge' is to promote consciousness of the presence of diversity. This does not call for one to disown their uniqueness; rather, it calls for the appreciation of others and riding ourselves prejudices by learning our diversity is what makes us beautiful.

[@aveco1230]

wow, it sounds like tribalism is the sister of racism and a product of colonization that is still causing division. Im so sorry you all have to experience this because I know that discrimination hurts. Everyone should be treated fairly. This is the only way to peace and harmony. Sending love to every tribe

[@MJMacharia]

Privileged! there's no community that suffered under the British rule like the Agikuyu. This is misinformation, the Uhuru of Kenya was hijacked by a few individuals who have never been representatives of the Agikuyu people. Political leadership doesn't necessarily represent a people.

[@assumptamuriithi1289]

This is ridiculous. What she is saying is not what my mother told me. Ridiculous...

[@charlesndugire534]

Wrong Madam.... Kikuyus were never privileged by the British! Their land were taken away and they fought for what was rightfuly theres. The differences between the kikuyu with Luos and any other tribes in kenya was Bristish instigated. Your facts are Wrong.

[@Katie-kx9rb]

This is incredible👏👏 Thank you for using your experience to bring this awareness to majority of Kenyans. I have ended friendships before with my fellow Kenyans because of things they said and did to hurt other Kenyans from the minority tribes. When I face them to let them know we are all one they wanted to fight me. They wanted acknowledgement they are the best I couldn't buy that.

[@stephentaylor2119]

I can often guess a Kenyans tribe, especially in isolation abroad, which surprises people, no one gets offended and why should they. You recognized them and greeted them. Too much chip-on-shoulder accusations of racism.

[@armylabman]

Men! Beware of most not all…kikuyu ladies care about money. You’ll never be able to keep up with the insatiable needs. Never chose. Instead, chose a Ugandan lady!

[@marym-w2e]

Kikuyus need to understand this talk was made with a purpose. kikuyus are one of the lost tribes of Israel , Read the bible understand the end days and know you're a target....she part of the larger group that sold out...and good that you're calling her out on the comment section ..but understand her talk is conditioning the other tribe agnaist you..for what the bible say they want to do.

[@zaworkshizi5939]

I have no idea what she’s talking about. We were robbed off our lands and barricaded and killed, I don’t think you’re a kikuyu but an imposter. Even the luo’s won’t agree with you.

[@JnMasher]

This speech is a little outdated. I am a Kenyan Kikuyu and I don't feel the same way. The current generation knows no tribal boundaries, and does not let names choose friends or team members. It is a powerful speech though.

[@patriciawangui5437]

My dear I disagree with you please go back to our history and do you're research.

[@njeri.wa.solo18]

I have experienced no privillages so far because I have no connections whatsoever,infact ,I have attracted hate especially online because of my last name and stereo typed just because I was born where I was .

[@michaelmeja7217]

Fact check: The colonialists gave the mantle to the luos. Not Kikuyus. Unfortunately, the Luos gave it to kikuyus.

[@amatotveastafrica8852]

You cant understand how privilege works unless you are on the receiving end. Somalis and nubian communities are given extra scrutiny to national id and vetted daily when they go for passports. more terrible things happen even in 2021

[@jpaultelchannel1702]

Do not Somalis believe that they are superior to other Africans especially those of darker skin tone in Somalia and in Africa? In fact, some of them don'y even accept that they are Africans.