A Journey Through Time, Where Nature Bears Witness to the Dark Realities of Our Past

Astroden Dennis Wanjeri
4 min readJun 1, 2023

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Kenyan flag, source: National Today

Step into the realm of imagination, where the echoes of history whisper among the vibrant hues of nature’s canvas. In this journey, we will traverse the depths of time, guided by the silent witness of nature itself. Prepare to unveil the profound shadows that enshrouded the era of colonialism, as we explore the untamed beauty and the harrowing darkness that once intertwined.

A Land Teeming with Life

In the heart of Africa, where the sun casts its golden glow upon the undulating landscapes, lies a land vibrant with life. Picture a sprawling savannah, where elephants majestically roam, their presence echoing a time when harmony prevailed. Tall acacia trees sway gently in the breeze, whispering secrets to the sky above. Nature, in its untamed glory, thrived in the unity of diversity, just as humanity did.

The Arrival of Shadows

As dawn broke upon this idyllic land, shadows emerged from distant shores. They came not as friends, but as bearers of a twisted ideology, distorting the very essence of humanity. These colonizers believed in their racial superiority, and with their arrival, the tranquil landscape trembled with trepidation.

Unleashing the Storm

Nature, a silent observer, saw the unfolding drama with heavy eyes. It witnessed the relentless advance of those who sought to dominate, as they carved a path of destruction in their wake. The land once revered for its abundance became a battleground, where lives were extinguished, cultures dismantled, and dignity trampled upon.

The Darkness Unveiled

In this chapter, let us confront the stark reality that history often forgets to acknowledge. Imagine a parallel universe, where the Nazis achieved their sinister goals, establishing a Reich that spanned centuries. Now transpose this image onto the canvas of colonialism. The parallels are chillingly real. The land was taken, lives were lost, concentration camps materialized, torture became routine, and looting knew no bounds. Non-white people endured these horrors for centuries, their suffering etched into the very fabric of their existence.

The stark truth remains that the enduring legacy of colonialism, spanning centuries, far surpasses the dark grip of Nazism, which lasted mere decades. It is not a matter of controversy but an undeniable reality that colonialism’s atrocities, inflicted upon non-white people, formed a global scourge unparalleled in human history. The plundering of resources, the exploitation of labor, the ruthless oppression, and the systemic dehumanization endured for generations, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory. Recognizing this disparity is not an act of divisiveness, but a crucial step towards acknowledging the magnitude of the injustices endured by those who were deemed “other” in the eyes of their oppressors.

Nature’s Scars

Look closely at the Earth beneath your feet, for it holds the secrets of a turbulent past. The very soil, once kissed by the sun’s warmth, bears the indelible scars of the colonizers’ brutality. Witness some landscapes, once flourishing breadbaskets, reduced to impoverished remnants. The British suppressed a rebellion, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake, their scorched Earth tactics condemning generations to struggle and deprivation.

The Lingering Chains

Even as time passes, we find ourselves shackled by the remnants of the past, held captive by the colonizers’ legacy. In our minds, we remain colonized, defending the very perpetrators who orchestrated our subjugation. We offer gratitude for the meager remnants they left behind, reminiscent of thanking a rapist for sparing the bed. It is time to break free from this mental enslavement and redefine our narrative.

The Healing Power of Nature

In the midst of this darkness, let us turn our gaze toward the resilient beauty of nature. The landscapes that have witnessed our struggle can also offer solace and renewal. Just as nature endures storms and emerges stronger, so too can we draw strength from our collective spirit. Let us reconnect with the harmony and unity that once defined us, fostering a future where justice and equality flourish.

As Madaraka day dawns upon us, let us commemorate the journey of self-determination and liberation. Today, we acknowledge the profound shadows cast by colonialism, for it is only through recognition that healing can begin. Nature, our steadfast companion, has silently borne witness to our history. It is time we listen to its wisdom, rewrite the narrative, and forge a future where the scars of colonialism serve as a reminder of our resilience, our unity, and our unwavering bond with the natural world.

Embarking on this voyage, let us embrace the vivid tapestry of our past, and together, sow the seeds of a brighter tomorrow.

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Astroden Dennis Wanjeri
Astroden Dennis Wanjeri

Written by Astroden Dennis Wanjeri

Unraveling the Hidden Threads of Nature, History, and Medical Innovation through the Curious Eyes of a Kenyan Medical Student at Comenius University, Slovakia.

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