Julie Gichuru Narrates Encounter with White Man Who Thought Black People are Dirty, Criminals
Kenyan celebrities are coming out to narrate their personal experiences with racism following the death of unarmed African-American George Floyd in the hands of a white policeman in the US.
Kenyan media personality Julie Gichuru recently laid bare her encounter with racism in the United Kingdom.
Julie, through social media, recounted her encounter with a white man that made her realize how deeply entrenched racism is in some counties.
Julie says the incident happened when she was a student at Cardiff University (formerly University of Wales College of Cardiff). Julie says she was in the company of her friends when she met a white man who had the perception that people of color are dirty lazy and criminals.
“It was the first week of University, we were in the Games Room (the snooker/pool room and gaming area) at Students Union on Park Place. It was a Sunday afternoon and the busy entertainment spot started to empty out at about 2 pm, we played on. We were having a ball. There were 4 to 5 of us I believe,” recounts Julie.
She adds: “Michelle had been my housemate in pre-Uni law for one year, we were good friends. With us also were our friends & classmates, Terence who was from Singapore (Michelle too). Ibrahima from Senegal and John O. from Nigeria. There we were talking, laughing, and enjoying a few epic games of pool.”
“A tall white guy who had been playing with friends at the next table was eventually left on his own. He seemed to be watching us. Maybe I was imagining it, I thought to myself. Eventually, he came up and asked if he could join us. We happily welcomed him to the group and had a few games together. After about an hour the room was closing and we all had to leave.”
As they left, Julie says the white man confessed to having a misconception that black people are dirty, lazy, and criminals.
“Then he said, ‘I am really happy to have met you all and spent time with you. This was an eye-opener for me… I was brought up to believe that black people are dirty, lazy criminals, but I was so stunned when I heard you talking. You are so different from what I expected. Thank you for letting me spend time with you. You have forever changed my perspective.’”
Julie adds: “I felt uncomfortable yet thankful that at least one mind had been opened. But how many others were out there?”
“We bumped into him now and again over the next few years and always shared a smile and a word or two… he was a good guy… but it was a painful reminder that this is a very prejudiced world. Spread some love today. Smile. Reach out and bridge a divide. We all need it.”
Have any racist encounters to share? Reach out to us at info@mwakilishi.com.
Comments
Sukari, you should have…
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Sukari, you should have called out Chris, too. His rant is unintelligible and makes little sense in the context of the debate
Ex diasporan YOU ARE THE…
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In reply to Sukari, you should have… by Ex diasporan (not verified)
Ex diasporan YOU ARE THE BIGGEST FOOL asking others to call me out. Kasuku wewe. Domo kaya! What I stated was a fact! Julie Gichuru CAN NEVER purport to care so much about what is happening thousands of miles away and ALWAYS stays silent when the same things happen around her. Huo ni upumbavu. Many Kikuyus will be up in arms about racism but rigorously exercise tribalism. Those who do that Shindwe Pepo Mbaya! Ex diasporans you lead the pack of Tribalists. Pepo Mbaya wewe!
My luo fren @chris, you are…
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In reply to Ex diasporan YOU ARE THE… by Chris (not verified)
My luo fren @chris, you are just spitting mate (saliva) while the real owners of the ‘ meat’ eat are eating and laughing at you!
You wish the Kikuyus could throw you a little bone to chew!! If you apply yourself just a little harder and work like the Kikuyus do, you may be able to get a fatty piece of the meat or better join them at the table. Or better, you can marry a “Wanjiku” to be part of them throw marriage.
Are you not the Larry Madowo’s fren @ Chris? So, why complain over something you can change @ Chris?
Dear Khaemba, so sorry to…
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In reply to My luo fren @chris, you are… by Khaemba (not verified)
Dear Khaemba, so sorry to burst your bubble, I ain't Luo! I come to Larry's defense every now and then because the guy is an orphan. I have a soft spot for orphans, cut the guy some slack for Pete's sake. Tulia Ndugu, and no, I cannot marry a Wanjiku, because I am already happily married. Na I don't take "gachungwas"! The fact that I have worked hard and accomplished my goals, doesn't stop me from speaking out about what's happening in the Jamuhuri. There's nothing special about the Kikuyus and I know so many lazy ass Kikuyus who either live off their family properties or use their surnames as mileage in Kenya, practising tribalism and nepotism. Contrary to popular belief, there is no difference between a Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin or Kikuyu. No doubt Kikuyus were closer to the colonial administration, so they understood the importance of wealth and garnering power earlier than most Kenyan tribe. But once they tasted power they wouldn't ever let it go. The same systemic racism here has and is still exercised in Kenya, in form of tribalism, nepotism and daylight robbery. Kibaki and Uhuru for instance rigged elections and there's nothing Kenyans can do about it. The same people who supported them will come and cry foul about their experiences abroad with wazungus and expect people to pity them. Nah! I've always wondered why struggle to support an illegitimate leader who uses his position to sway the election in his favor and then end up abandoning the country and move abroad. Truly there is no honor among thieves. Unaiba iba halafu upate majambazi ni wale wale, muliiba nao 😅😅😅 No wonder kikuyus find it very difficult living majuu. Wewe Khaemba, amatsai kefwe! Wacha kumeza panadol isio ya headache yako. Karma doesn't go too far from these folks. Just saying.
@Chris - I have liked some…
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In reply to Dear Khaemba, so sorry to… by Chris (not verified)
@Chris - I have liked some of the earlier things you habe said in some previous writings here. As a matter of fact, I have enjoyed them!
However, I will have to disagree with your opinions here about the Kikuyus because I think you are misguided!
First, I’m of the general opinion that no kikuyu chic would want to shack with you. You have a negative mentality that no kikuyu woman can accommodate or stomach.
Second, you sound to suffer from some severe inferiority complex as you just went on and on to attack the Kikuyus; and maybe for no reason at all.
Third, I have friends from every where, but most of them are Kikuyus! None of them have ever treated me bad! When they talk, they speak with a spirit of inclusion and talks about wanting every Kenyan to succeed to uplift lives if every Kenyan! And l like that part about the Kikuyus.
My kikuyu friends are very generous and they are always smiling and laughing! Generous in the sense that you can count on Kikuyu if he/she promised you anything. They are very straight forward people!
The Kikuyus I know, and they are so many, are very neutral whenever it comes to inter-marriages, any body venturing into businesses and they are extremely hard working! Those you say that they benefit from inherited land - it is their right to benefit! What do you want them to do - be sad, cry for inheriting wealth???
The Kikuyus were way successful even before the muzungu colonized Kenya. They had tracks of land, cows, sheep, goats, and they tilled their land to have more than enough food for every body! They still do heavy agriculture even today!
And that is why they joined hands to fight the colonial masters to regain our freedom. Kikuyus joined forces to expel the bite man from Kenya almost single-handed!
You sound like a very insecure man who feels caged by others and have lost hope. I think you are a slave of your own imaginations and uninformed environment that you grew up in!
You shouldn’t support Midowo simply on the basis that he used to be an orphan! Time to time Midowo has done crazy things and everyone should speak out to help him grow!
Please free your mind from the insecurities of life so you can begin to peovide better service to your fellow man! Hedging your mind on Kikuyus will not help you.
But you are holding yourself back as long as you keep fighting the invisible ghost enemy; the Kikuyus!
They don’t care who you are and even where you live or what you do in life! They want you to make progress in life!
I used to think the same way your thought process is lined up, but I can to realize I was wasting too much time fighting the invisible enemy within me; my negative mind set and some shortsighted thought processes! I’m still growing and getting better! Will join me, please!!
Khaemba no need to pretend…
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In reply to @Chris - I have liked some… by Khaemba (not verified)
Khaemba no need to pretend you are Luhya just to soften the blow. You are really luring me to say something negative about sex with Kikuyu women, but ain't going there bro! Kama kuna ile umekamata, wewe kamata kabisa. Bury your face kabisa in her nunu ukiendelea kufuata upepo. After all, Luhya men tend to feel like super heroes once they marry Kikuyus. It's common knowledge. Kwa hivyo tunajua chapati ngapi umekaliwa. You deem yourself inferior to speak out labda unaogopa hautapikiwa sembe. I'm stating facts here. Your personal experience with the one Kikuyus woman who owns a ka pub around the corner who used to advance sexual favors to you and lend you some quid when you go broke certainly do not be valid here. There is rampant tribalism in Kenya- FACT- Kikuyus lead the pack of Tribalistic and Nepotistic wolves FACT. These acts have been committed since Kenyatta Senior- FACT. They adversely affect ALL Kenyas, Especially Kyuks Socially and Economically. FACT. Nepotistic, Corrupt and Tribalistic Kyuks suffer living outside Kenya because they cannot extend these vices they have sworn to live by. FACT. Those who shun Nepotism, Corruption and Tribalism among Kyuks Live a wonderful and fulfilled life majuu- Ukiwaona, utawajua tu! Wana meta meta with God's favor in everything they touch. They choose to pay the hefty price of questioning their tribemates and take steps to change their lifestyles and thoughts! I'm lucky to know and love those friends of mine, very dearly. Like I mentioned before, Julie Gichuru had a platform in the country, she still has it, what has she done about tribalism back home, perpetuated by her own tribe against other tribes before trying to speak on racism happening thousands of miles from her? Hey Fake Khaemba, it's Madowo not Midiwo. If you got beef with that chap, settle it out with him kama wanaume. Don't use proxys please. FIX KENYAN TRIBALISM BEFORE BEING SO EMOTIVE AND INVESTED IN US RACISM! Charity begins at home.
You sure have a non…
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In reply to Khaemba no need to pretend… by Chris (not verified)
You sure have a non-redeemable low self esteem for a man! What is your tribe since you thinking really sucks? Do you really think any one kikuyu (man or woman) really care about your damned insecurities? Our dogs and cats couldn’t care for you either. You really sound like you have been eating the Wuhan bats. You can insult others all you want but you have a big problem within yourself! You exhibit some weird psychotic behavior here. Your mind is not right! Now you can turn your sleepless bitterness and range on me and I will have your Kale wife feeding you with a poisoned arrow! You are a shameful blemish to humanity.
Your naive assumptions have…
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In reply to Khaemba no need to pretend… by Chris (not verified)
Your naive assumptions have created strange fears in you! You are deeply engrossed in satanic fears and an attitude of self pity and defeatism! You see things that never exist - hallucinations. Fear is the worst enemy to a man’s progress in every aspect of the word, “progress”! Can’t help you dude! Out.
@chris, did you say Madowo…
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In reply to Khaemba no need to pretend… by Chris (not verified)
@chris, did you say Madowo was your very close personal friend because both of you are orphans? You sound like you are still in the orphanage! You are really bitter with the Kikuyus. Who stole your chapati in the orphanage!?
Which chapati are you…
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In reply to Khaemba no need to pretend… by Chris (not verified)
Which chapati are you talking about fool! I will sit in your damn dirty mouth with my tuchi until you squam like a two short legged hyena bitch while searching for that stinky chapati to eat with your crooked nose!!
@chris, you and …
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In reply to Ex diasporan YOU ARE THE… by Chris (not verified)
@chris, you and @formerlyguest2 should get married and then move to Robin Cruessal’s island to start a dummy family there! You are a perfect match for her! A Batman and Robin kind of a couple!
Did this uncouth kid say he…
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In reply to Ex diasporan YOU ARE THE… by Chris (not verified)
Did this uncouth kid say he is supposedly married? No! It cannot be! I don’t envy the woman who mistakingly got stuck with this child! How did a woman get this unlucky to be beholden with a psycho kid for a husband? And y’all say Kama does not exist? @Chris, umelaniwa wewe na Shetani amekuteka nyala!! Never ever seen a low life like this one!!
I think what Julie…
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I think what Julie experienced was ignorance otherwise he would not have been so easily swayed. Racism won't go away with a single encounter at a pool table(I have tried). Quitting your job(as someone here did) due to racism doesn't help anyone. You need to actually call it out. Document your actions and if you live in a state that doesn't allow single party consent recording, a paper trail that includes HR is your friend. While we may face some hostility from black people from the Caribbean, we aren't blameless and I've heard my African brothers use a derogatory term when referring to black Americans. Racism seems to be the default position of non Africans, a generalization I know, but where in the world aren't people prejudiced against Africans. Most white people tend to take the side of the cops and until the last few weeks, they would spout that blue lives and all lives matter crap when you tried pointing out what BLM was about. I look at Mr. Floyd and realize that at 6'4" and 100 kilos I fit someone's vague description and the fewer interactions I have with cops who would instantly assume I am a threat, the longer I shall live. Barring an absolute change in culture, the killings will persist.
https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/
Chris, buy a dog if you don…
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Chris, buy a dog if you don't have one, it will help in lowering your anger and sooth your blood pressure. Walk the dog with a leash in your hood.
Ex Diasporan buy a cat and…
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In reply to Chris, buy a dog if you don… by Ex diasporan (not verified)
Ex Diasporan buy a cat and eat it or maybe do the things media reports you to to animals and grandmas! Fact is Kikuyus are tribalistic to the core. Not all but a majority are still unfortunately plagued by this disease. When you come and set to live life in the diaspora, then suddenly you realize that we are all the same! Suddenly all Kenyans are equal! Suddenly we are all black! Ha! Unless you change this insidious character, it's gonna pain you more than it pains the rest of the other Kenyan tribes who are already used to this kind of persecution by the Kikuyus. Ama mulidhani nyinyi ni wazungu Ha!
Tribalism was nurtured by…
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In reply to Ex Diasporan buy a cat and… by Chris (not verified)
Tribalism was nurtured by Kenya's previous overlords, determining what groups got to serve as soldiers, police, watchmen, cooks etc based on perceived innate qualities. It was bullshit, but it stuck. Succeeding generations of leaders have simply perfected tribalism and use it to maintain their grip on looted money, call them the wanapesa tribe. They intermarry, socialize and mingle with each other. Their children can't speak any languages other than English and certainly don't attend the local schools. The only time they mingle with others is election season. They are well schooled in taking advantage of ukabila, common among the masses. Ukabila is not a Kikuyu thing but rather a well nourished Kenyan character trait. Kikuyus never burned buildings to kill those taking shelter in them because they were not Kikuyu. My parents, as little children, spent a chunk of the 50s in concentration camps. They survived, as Kikuyus are wont to. Kikuyus were pressed more than any other group during the Moi years and were, like the Luo during the Jomo Kenyatta era, bitter. They came out stronger. The difference is money and a can do attitude and the Kikuyus have a lot of both. FYI, I have never gained a thing from any administration in Kenya. Your hatred of Kikuyus is shining through. You are a true mkabila.
Call me whatever. I know who…
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In reply to Tribalism was nurtured by… by Mundumugo (not verified)
Call me whatever. I know who I am. My sentiments are not directed to you but to all those who practice NEPOTISM, CORRUPTION AND TRIBALISM. Kikuyus featured prominently in my statement because the lady in question happens to be Kikuyu. It is a Fact that there is systemic tribalism BY THE KIKUYUS in Kenya. A majority of Kenyans will agree with me. This is our own undoing. The fact is Kikuyus also cry out the loudest when they are racially discriminated, yet these acts are supposed to be very familiar with them. Kitu sitaki kusikia ni mkikuyu Tribalistic akipiga mayowe mayowe hapa juu ya racism akisahau tribalism by the Kikuyus back home. I speak what I know of. I was practically raised in Kikuyu land. I know everything about them. I will call out tribalism when I see it. A majority of Kikuyus are tribalistic (again, more reliable sources come up with these statistics). Yule atawashwa saaana na statements zangu, ni yeye tu tribalistic. Sio mimi😊
A bewitched kalenjin totally…
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In reply to Call me whatever. I know who… by Chris (not verified)
A bewitched kalenjin totally confused after him and Ruto burned our women and children in Kiambaa! You can whine all you want because you we will castrate you if you happen to act on your madness! Your foolishness here is all the reason Kikuyus will never vote for Ruto! Just keeping talking...., ya, just keeping licking your dirty lips!!
“A majority of Kenyans will…
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In reply to Call me whatever. I know who… by Chris (not verified)
“A majority of Kenyans will agree with you” @chris! No! A majority of Kenyans will not agree with your devilish thinking because the majority in Kenya are the Kikuyus!!!! Your views are quite divergent to the views of the majority; the Kikuyus!!! I say that with great pride that no kikuyu would fall in your naive audience of insulting the Kikuyus.
We, the Kikuyus are the…
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In reply to Ex Diasporan buy a cat and… by Chris (not verified)
We, the Kikuyus are the wazungus of Kenya @Chris! Meza mate as we eat the meat! You are not welcome to the table; just saying! You are know mature enough to be in the company of the Kikuyus. Stay exactly where you are right now as you peep through a pin hole to see how “wazungus” live! You are an orphan in your own league. Stay there and don’t move!!
But if that Whiteman had…
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But if that Whiteman had come to Nairobi and saw trash everywhere, even besides the roads, and Chris living on top of a heap of taka taka with his Mercedes, he would have concluded Africans/black people are dirty. How clean are they if they eat sukuma wiki grown on top of a sewer line??
Oh my, people! I just went…
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Oh my, people! I just went through this thread and I am appalled by our behaviours! How did it all go South on a matter where a sister shared her experience on racism, ending in us hurling insults at each other? We then fall into the same trap we are bemoaning, i.e categorising ourselves by the regions we come from? Divide and conquer? Please let's stop. Bottom line: Julie Gichuru is entitled to express her experience on racism and she is a beautiful woman, light skinned or otherwise just like Lupita Nyong'o is as beautiful in her dark hue! FG2 may have misunderstood what Karanja meant by people thinking Mrs Gichuru is white. It did not have to end so ugly.... just a thought.
@Sukari - All of us should…
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In reply to Oh my, people! I just went… by Sukari (not verified)
@Sukari - All of us should consider your wise counsel! Can we all get along? Mrs Gichuru, best of luck in your endeavors! We all love you!!!
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