We often assume that principles like fairness, human rights, and economic progress are self-evident values that everyone can agree on. If you firmly believe in them, it’s always surprising when you find people in your close circle with different views.

I had been dating Paul for a couple of months. He was easy on the eye, ambitious and highly disciplined. We shared many interests and values-or so I thought. It was a weekday, but I slept over at his place. When he invited me over, I thought he just missed me. It turned out there was another motive.

We didn’t need to wake up too early the following day because we were both working from home. There were protests against bad governance. It was the third protest in a matter of weeks. Each time, the crowd was larger than the last.

“Someone has been shot,” I told Paul as I scrolled through social media for updates.

“I don’t understand why they keep putting themselves in harm’s way,” he said.

“What?” I asked. I must have had him wrong.

“I mean, how many people have to die before they realise that these protests don’t amount to anything?” Paul asked.

“Let me get this straight, you think it’s the protestors’ fault that they are being killed?” I asked him.

“No, but they already know how the police react,” Paul argued.

“Dedan Kimathi, Wangari Maathai and all the Mau Mau guys are rolling in their graves.”

“Don’t be dramatic,” Paul said.

“I’m not. Protestors are within their rights, but even more importantly, they’re agitating for better governance for all of us. There’s no justification for police shooting unarmed protestors,” I told him. I could hardly contain my anger.

Paul went on to say that protesting was an ineffective way to impact change. This was a man who frequently quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and spoke of his grandparents’ involvement in the Mau Mau, but he couldn’t help but feel inconvenienced by the protests.

He argued that the protests were hurting the economy. In fact, he quoted the figure the company he worked for lost over the month, but he said ‘ at our company’.

“The company you work for,” I said.

“What?” He asked.

“Are you a part of the ownership of the company?” I asked him.

“Why are you being rude?” He said.

“Because companies are closing down due to the issues those protestors are raising. If it happened to you, then you’d know it’s just a company you work for. The economy needs to work for many people for better job stability,” I told him.

“But you’re here with me and not on the streets,” Paul said.

“That’s low. You know, my workplace monitors activity on the work computer. If that weren’t the case, I would be there. I support them financially where I can,” I said.

“I knew you would have wanted to be there. In fact, I invited you over so that I can stop you from going,” Paul said.

“To stop me?” I asked, trying to steady my voice.

For the first time in that conversation, I saw a hint of remorse. It wasn’t that he had changed his mind; he just regretted not restraining his speech. I saw him struggle to pick out the right words to turn down the heat.

“Paul, for the first time in a long time, there’s a collective desire to change things. It’s gone past complaining online, in family gatherings, or in bars. Complaining about governance has gone beyond being a conversation starter. Maybe the protests won’t change everything, but those people out there are trying to do something about it. I’m sorry that this is a nuisance to you and your company. I’m sure none of the issues they are raising concern you,” I said.

“Babe, I’m just saying Mwenye nguvu mpishe, “Paul said.

Deep silence followed. More sad news trickled in from the streets. It ignited a myriad of feelings and thoughts.

I left Paul’s house the following day, and as we said our goodbyes, I knew that was the end. He couldn’t understand my decision and even told me, “It’s not that deep.” But it was.

Check out more stories:

He Talked Politics On Our First Date And It Was A Turnoff For Me 

The Hunter Hunts The Prey: The Governor’s Affairs – Love And Politics Don’t Mix Part 1

Temptations Can Be Your Downfall: The Governor’s Affairs – Love And Politics Don’t Mix Part 2 

The Truthful Governor: A Scandal Surrounding A Politician’s Reproductive Rights Rock Her Campaign