The world has stopped for a moment to focus its attention on Africa. This is not something that happens often.

No, they are not talking about senseless civil wars, crippling poverty, appalling HIV/AIDS statistics or blatant dictators. They are talking about a black man who freed his country from an inhumane regime; who dared to dream of a tolerant, united and poverty-free Africa and dedicated his life to the attainment of this dream.

In turn, God rewarded him with 95 years of a robust, purposeful life. If Nelson Mandela was from the Luo ethnicity like me, his death would herald two weeks of drinking, merry-making and dancing to the sounds of ffumbo drums in celebration of the resting of an honorable elder.