Hosting a party or even a simple get-together is an art. Dining etiquette, people skills and general tidiness are just some of the requirements to attract and keep guests in the home.
I believe our African mothers perfected this art. Growing up, I remember there were items and rooms in the house particularly set a side for guests. As a fact, there were certain dinner plates, coffee mugs and toiletries that we were never supposed to touch as they were specifically set aside for our visitors.
Different guests received different treatment. Those that my family had not seen for a while and/or were coming from faraway places were often handled with kid gloves (at least until they were familiar with the household). Regular visitors who assimilated with the kin and did not exactly need five star treatment.
They were family. Most important, we were expected to be on good behaviour. To speak politely, to be present to run small errands for the visitors and at the top of the list ensure that we paint the best picture of the family. Years later, I realised most of my peers had lived the same way. Guests were special.
One almost felt insignificant in the household. This seems to be a perpetual way of life for us as a community. The envisaged three-day visit by US President Barack Obama shows this perfectly. The city has been in a frenzied mood for months now.
Roads which were hitherto in deplorable state are being re-carpeted. Those dusty and loose-hanging hedges in parks and pathways are now routinely watered and trimmed. The streets on which the president is likely to walk on are short of being hand-scrubbed and security has been heightened like never before.
We have also designated particular rooms in our house for his leisure and ensured that he will use only the best cutlery and toiletries during his stay. Most important we are expected to be on our best behaviour.
We are not to share any national secrets, especially those that will paint our leaders in bad light and anyone who attempts to disparage the family will be frowned upon. Corruption, insecurity, poor governance and poverty must be hushed. Our guest must see the best in us.
We rarely go to such lengths for our African visitors. They are regulars within our borders; they identify with the family and rarely find anything surprising to write home about. They even overlook some of our shortfalls because human rights abuses, misuse of power and other social inequalities should be normal occurrences by now.
We do not have to try hard to impress them and there is little consequence to acting defiant. Obama’s visit to Kenya means different things to different people and will certainly have varied impact on diverse sectors of the country. The administration for example is gearing up to give a favourable report on its governance and human rights record.
Civil society, on the other hand, will be at the forefront to decry government’s reluctance to enhance accountability and transparency within the country. The private sector may benefit from increased monetary and fiscal transactions while the common man will excitedly follow his trail from afar.
What unsettles me with the situation, however, is the fact that it takes such a visit to stir us to action. It seems our only guarantee to better roads, a cleaner city and increased security lie in a visit from one or other dignitaries. Regardless, I look forward to the president’s visit. My country has a lot to gain. The writer is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
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