During my recent trip to Kenya, I bought some of their music to share with
friends back home. One cassette by Eric Wainaina titled Sawa sawa is one I
would recommend to all. I believe he has some relation with Transparency
International (TI) Kenya whereby he sensitizes people on issues affecting
them. This include police corruption, scams by head teachers, too many
taxes etc.

Not only is the music good, this innovative way of informing the public is
commendable. Between tracks, are small clips of satire focussing on some of
the issues mentioned earlier. One such clip is a satire dealing with police
corruption. I'll try to reproduce it to the best of my ability. If I get
some of it wrong, don't blame me. It is mixed with swahili which I do not
understand.

The scene starts with a two-man police patrol finding a couple in a
stationary car at night.

First police man says some thing in swahili and insinuates that the man
could be a suspect.

2nd Policeman: Can you produce your ID.
1St Policeman: He is definitely a suspect.
2nd Policeman: If you cannot produce your ID you must be a suspect. If you
cannot produce the three legal documents (meaning birth certificate,
National ID card and Passport) you are definitely a suspect. You must
produce ID let us evalue.

Amidst slaps; car owner protests. I am innocent.

1st Policeman: Don't be stupid. You ignorant. Nobody in Igale is innocent.
We can charge you with anything. Obstruction of justice, walking with
wireless...

2nd Police man: Yes!

1st Policeman: walking with firearms with intention of bridge of contract..

2nd Ploiceman: yes!

1st Policeman: loitering with intention to commit first degree murder...

2nd Policeman: Yes!

1st Policeman: Looking at government building suspiciously..

2nd Policeman: yes!

1st Policeman: soliciting sexual favours from an unwilling female. You see
nobody is innocent.

2nd policeman subtlely asks for a bribe and when the poor guy did not seem
to understand, the 1st Policeman asks: Can you buy your freedom? Can you
purchase your freedom.

Amidst more slaps, the poor guy offers them 50.

1st policeman: 50?, then more slaps and beatings. Finally they ascertain
that he has only 50 and the 1st policeman goes: You are a good citizen, law
abiding citizen. Goodnight sir. Can we give you a push?

This particular clip is followed by one of most beautiful songs I have
heard for a long time.

Have a good day, Gassa

PS: I do not know the currency that 50 is supposed to be.

--
There is a time in the life of every problem when it is big enough to see,
yet small enough to solve (Mike Leavitt)

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