Problems of Modernity among the Waswahili. A Political View from the Kimondo Verses of Lamu

The kimondo verses are part of the competitive verse traditions of the Waswahili or Swahili called mashindano. The verses emerged in Kenya during the by-elections of Lamu in 1975. They describe the contest between two candidates for election to Parliament. Essentially, the verses portray the Kiswahili concept of democracy and political contests. They suggest that in Kiswahili society democracy is better conducted via competitive poetry which makes use of words rather than violence. The competitive verses are the Kiswahili version of free speech and expression. In addition, the kimondo verses speak out against greed, pointing to it as a danger to its leaders and the society. Selflessness and sacrifice are what is required in politics. The paper concludes that democracy reduced to the traditions of a people, as exemplified by the kimondo of Lamu, works better than ones imported without modification from abroad. The multi-parties of today's East Africa could fruitfully benefit from the lessons and practices in the kimondo of Lamu.