The above is a Kenyan proverb meaning: "When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt." This is a Masai proverb, although many other tribes and selective groups of people have a similar alternative (for example, "When elephants jostle, what gets hurt is the grass"). This is a very popular Swahili proverb and its meaning has remained relevant for many years. The general idea is smaller forces sustaining damage in the midst of powerful beings. The elephants fight with no regard to the damage they are inflicting on the reeds. This proverb is normally related to community leaders, officials or politicians, whose actions to gain power will often harm innocent and powerless people.

Kenya's authorities are willing to allow tourists to damage their country, damage wildlife and offend people. However, the authorities take a utilitarian view, because tourism benefits the majority of Kenyans...