Kenyans Celebrate Mashujaa Day
from Dr. Barack Abonyo For Kisumu Governor 2012
20th Oct. 2011
http://www.barackforgovernor.com/
Mashujaa Day
Today, Kenyans celebrate the first Mashujaa Day to honor the heros andheroins who made significant contriutions to our nations liberation struggle. Now is the time to move Kenyha forward with great velocity, free from oppression
~ Dr. Barak Abonyo for Ksumu Governor 2912
www.barackforgovernor.com
The People's Candidate
Dr. Barack Abonyo
Kenya: Will Raila Odinga be our Gandalf?
Arrows and shields
BY FWAMBA NC FWAMBA
In the Prof J.R.R Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy; The Lord of the Rings, the role of one character Gandalf the grey, who later becomes Gandalf the white is very conspicuous. Gandalf belongs to the group of wizards, the wisest and most knowledgeable creatures in the middle earth.
Unlike Saruman; another wizard who attempts to get the ring of power for himself, Gandalf sticks to his mission of helping the middle earth rid itself of the ring of power by helping in assembling and leading the team to destroy the ring of power in the same chasm inside the crack of Mount Doom where the ring was forged. The ring of power has a history of bringing down great leaders and kings including Isildur; whose heir is Aragorn camouflaged as Strider carries the duty of reinstating Isildur’s lost glory. Gandalf’s efforts to inform Saruman about The whereabouts of the ring turns out to be a calamity for its later discovered that Saruman has defected and joined Sauron; the dark lord to claim the ring.
The ring is in the shire, the land of the Hobbits. Gandalf is faced with the challenge of ensuring that the ring is destroyed before his former ally Saruman or the main antagonist Sauron land their hands on it.
Kenya is a county at the crossroads now. The political challenges that face us to day are akin to the conflicts that bedeviled the middle earth. Kenyans have attempted for long to bring about change. All efforts have been futile because of the greed of the leaders that have hypocritically come together in the name of destroying the establishment of impunity and corruption have ended up being corrupt and unreliable. They have always instead just like Saruman been converted and become allies of impunity and subjects of the same ills they purported to oppose.
Kenya has gone through turbulent waters since the days of colonialism. Every political step in Kenya has been a make believe to the Kenyan masses that time for national redemption has finally come. The chronology of the Kenyan leadership starting from colonialism has always been a disappointment. In Kenya’s war for independence, the freedom fighters fought to return the land that had been taken away by the British colonialists. When freedom was finally granted, the country was optimistic that with an African leader all Kenyans were going to have better lives with equal opportunity to access education and resources compared to the previous regime which had been oppressive, racist and discriminatory against Africans.
It emerged that their celebrations were in vain for the new African establishment became no different from the practices of the British colonialists. Fertile lands that had previously been taken by the colonialist were then taken over and shared among the African leaders that had taken over the reigns of power.
The ordinary Kenyan who had fought so hard for independence became a disappointed person. It emerged that those who were landless during the colonial period remained landless; those who were lucky got small portions of land where they stayed as squatters. It was not forgotten that those who had taken power led by Jommo Kenyatta had claimed that they wanted change for an ordinary Kenyan African who was lacked opportunities because of racism and other forms of discrimination. It was evident that the African government substituted terms but continued with the oppressive ways of the colonialist.
It was not lost to Kenyans that terms like racism were replaced with tribalism. Settlers were replaced by African land grabbers. It’s known to Kenyans that it was under the African regime that those who spoke out their mind like Pio Gama Pinto, Tom Mboya, Argwings Kodhek and JM Kariuki had their lives cut short because of having alternative views on governance.
In 1978, Moi became president and people who had witnessed Kenyatta’s misuse of power and practices of tribalism thought that with change in the leadership, things were going to be different. It however turned out to be more disappointing that Moi declared that he was going to ‘fuata nyayo’(follow Kenyatta’s footsteps).Under the nyayo era, Moi perfected the art of tribalism, corruption and impunity. Under Moi’s leadership, democracy was crushed and detention without trial; a law that had been put in place under Kenyatta’s regime became more effective than ever.
It’s during the Moi era that many pro democracy activists and university student leaders like Tito Adungosi and Wafula Buke were jailed over trumped up charges. Many activists disappeared without trace. It’s during this same regime that saw Kenya’s first Vice President and doyen of opposition Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was put under house arrest. Under the same regime more political assassinations and mysterious deaths occurred. It was during this regime that Bishop Alexander Muge, Dr.Robert Ouko and many others died under suspect circumstances.
The atrocities committed under the Nyayo regime saw progressive politicians like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Ahmed Salim Bahmariz, George Nthenge, Masinde Muliro, Philip Gachoka and Martin Shikuku to team up and form the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD).It was a new dawn for Kenya when after pressure from the international community Mr.Moi repealed section 2(a) of the then constitution of Kenya which ushered in multiparty politics.
Greed engulfed the country, for every politician saw an opportunity to ascend to power since Moi was very unpopular. Many opposition parties were formed. After the mysterious death of Masinde Muliro at the Jommo Kenyatta International Airport three months to the general election,
Ford split into two factions Ford Kenya which was led by Jaramogi with headquarters at Agip House and Ford Asili that was led by Kenneth Matiba that moved their headquarters to Muthithi House (now Occidental plaza), the Democratic Party (DP) and the Social Democratic Party were formed and registered. Young people like Ruto and Jirongo saw an opportunity to become politically relevant. They formed Youth for Kanu 92’ thereby saving Moi’s regime from extinction by mobilizing the youth vote.
The divided opposition driven by greed for power lost to Moi. The same situation was repeated in 1997.The opposition fielded many presidential candidates who included Mwai Kibaki of the Democratic Party, Michael Kijana Wamalwa of Ford Kenya,Raila Odinga of National Development Party and Charity Ngilu of the Social Democratic party. The opposition lost again and the country continued wallowing in the culture of impunity.
With new wisdom acquired from lessons in the past election losses, in 2002,the opposition united to defeat Moi and his ‘project Uhuru’.The optimism of Kenyans was renewed.Most Kenyans believed that with the exit of Moi, the country had been saved from all the ills that we had fought against.
That was never to be for after one year, the government was grappling with corruption allegations. A mega scandal akin to the Goldenberg that had occurred during kanu’s dark days happened; the Anglo Leasing. It dawned to Kenyans that the greed for power and wish to occupy Moi’s shoes was the driving force for the opposition unity. Kenyans discovered that it was greed for power and money and not good governance that had caused the opposition to unite to defeat Moi and ‘project Uhuru.
In 2007, it emerged that both the incumbent led by Mwai Kibaki and the opposition led by Raila Odinga had been in government. It was declared to be the mother of all battles. The tight race between the two presidential candidates led to a disputed result.
I contend that Kenyans didn’t know what the post election violence was all about. It was about greed for power. 2012 is beckoning and we face the same challenges that Kenyans don’t have a leader who wants to create a respectable state. Kenya needs a Gandalf like figure who will not get entangled into power struggles. Kenya needs someone with an opportunity to be president but because of being selfless will choose not to seek presidency, but will assemble a new generation of leaders who will ensure the country has a new beginning. Kenya needs someone to sacrifice, someone who is above temptations for power, someone with the interest of the nation at heart.
If Moi and old Kanu establishments represent Sauron and Kibaki is Saruman, is Raila going to sacrifice his presidential ambitions and be our Gandalf?
Kenya: A Poem from a friend
From: odhiambo okecth
SABA SABA DAY
We didn’t want to stand in line
To vie ’gainst friends on village green
‘THEY’ told us then just what was what
“ You’ll have what you get...like it or not. “
A few took part...results were rigged
The rest stayed home...jiggerty jigged
Dissension brings detention in the Kanu Pot
We’d got whom we’d got...That’s our lot
Democracy’s for others made...
Until a few stood up and braved
The wrath of those in powerful seats
“ Detain them !” ‘THEY’ called...and searched the streets
A sign, evolved in Churchill’s day
Became the Multi-Party’s way
To demonstrate the need for Change
Who’s advocates were soon detained
“Cut off their fingers and send them to
Kanu Headquarters !” What a stew....
Those violent words and vicious threats
And author...stayed in back of heads.
Arrange a Kamukunji...yes
No license given. Ok...No stress
But Mwenje advertised it “ON”
Our own Sharpville had just begun.
Saba Saba Saturday
1990...Meeting day
Saw empty ground but people round
Were shot or beaten. Lesson sound?
Don’t play it down, it happened there
At famous Kamununji Fair
The Law moved in...teargas and gun
To keep the peace ...or have some fun.
The message spread. The bubble burst.
Outraged villagers freedom thirst
The tide broke loose for Liberty
For Justice,Truth...for you...for me
Enough’d enough of subjugation
Now to wake the Kenya nation
No right to ask, nor meet nor speak
What else to do but run the street
By Monday morning all was calm
Except we heard with some alarm
Just after schools began their classes
The streets of many towns found masses
Of people out on foot ..irate
Their wish...to speak...to demonstrate
Against the ones who’d have us blind
And deaf...and dumb...without a mind.
Police and GSU moved in
By four o’clock they’ed quelled the din.
In Kawangware, Satellite,
Innocents suffered policemen’s might
Husbands bludgeoned, women raped
The way out forces operate
And soon we all knew someone dear
Who’d suffered and been filled with fear
Of Law Enforcers...uncontrolled.
Government numbers...the death toll
Twenty dead and and sixty injured
Cooked up, played down “official” figures
Scared politicians met...took stock
Their nests to save and all ‘THEY’ED’ got
“ Take up your pangas ... kill them all...
No two ways about it !” the clarion call.
These rigged in men of greed and power
Began their last and final hour
We thought. But nay..a politician
Only gets mild admonition
Ev’n for inciting anarchy
Power war, no less on you and me
We people in the Market Place
Look on with pride to those who faced
Detention without trial...or worse
Have to leave their place of birth
Just because no-one will hear
Their call ...our call...for what is dear
Our need for Truth and Liberty
Justice, Our Rights...Democracy .
‘
Sam. Early July 1990.
Tanzania & Uganda: The late Dr Julius Nyerere is to be promoted to the sainthood by the Vatican
Writes Leo Odera Omolo
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart, Jakaya Kikwete, have supported the crusade to declare former Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere a saint.
Kikwete, Museveni, Mama Maria Nyerere and Archbishop Lwanga after the special prayers at Namugongo yesterday
The two presidents yesterday attended a special service for Nyerere at the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine and testified to his goodness, which they said should qualify him for sainthood.
The Catholic Church in Tanzania started the campaign to to make Nyerere a saint.
The process, which will end with Rome declaring or rejecting the petition, is currently at the stage where people who knew Nyerere come forward to give testimonies of his goodness.
According to the Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, there will also be another side which will come up to try and dispute that Nyerere was good.
Lwanga was the main celebrant at the service, which attracted many Tanzanians, including Nyerere’s widow and family.
The Tanzanians were led by the Auxiliary Bishop of Bukoba, Method Klaini.
Pilgrims from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda also attended the service.
Museveni said Nyerere was a devoted Christian and his principles made Tanzania a united and peaceful country.
“I am a witness to Nyerere’s devotion. The Bible is clear. It says we shall know them by their fruits not by their words. Tanzania is a country of Christians, Muslims and animists but Mwalimu (Nyerere) was able to unite them by demonstrating that they are all children of God,” Museveni said.
He said he had discussed with Nyerere’s wife the possibility of inviting the presidents who worked with Nyerere to Uganda for special prayers, but regretted that this could not be possible this year because the country is hosting the AU summit in July.
“We shall arrange for all the freedom fighters to come and witness,” Museveni said, thanking Kikwete for attending the service.
“We should continue praying that Nyerere reaches the next stage of being declared blessed of God, and then saint,” he said.
Responding to a request for assistance to build a perimeter wall around the church, Museveni pledged sh229m.
The Rector of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Fr. Nennis Ssebugwaawo, had earlier said thieves, drug addicts and murderers had invaded the place, adding that sometimes dead bodies are dumped in the lake at the shrine.
Museveni also pledged sh900m for the construction of a hotel at the shrine, which will accommodate visitors and generate income.
Kikwete said if Nyerere is canonised saint, it will make Tanzania proud.
“Anything that elevates the name of Tanzania, as president, I will be part of. We gave Nyerere the title of Father of the Nation because of the good things he did.
“For 23 years, he led the process of building a nation of several nationalities, 120 tribes and different races. He succeeded in building a united peaceful country. Tanzanians will always be grateful,” Kikwete said.
In his sermon, Lwanga urged Christians to promote peace, goodness and righteousness.
He expressed concern that Africans today are espousing strange ideologies, including homosexuality.
Lwanga said Africans should learn from the martyrs who stood their ground when they refused to be forced into sinfulness and stuck with Christ even as they faced death.
Ends
Kenya: Mau Mau suit against British government is not an economic issue per se -but a moral one !
Mau Mau suit against British government is not an economic issue per se -but a moral one !
From: Mary Gakere
Recently, in Meru, Prime Minister Raila Odinga charged the Kenya government with a responsibility of pursuing the British government on behalf of the Mau Mau (Kenya Freedom Fighters), in their quest for a measure of justice for atrocities that were committed against them during the Mau Mau era.
Such a move by our government must be praised by all who value our freedom, democracy and self determination.
However, care must be taken in these proceedings rest we buckle up everything in a hurry and rather than bring justice, restitution and honor to our Mau Mau heros, we may instead provide the British with a quiet and an easy way out. This was not and is not a question of minor dereliction of duty by British officers and their collaborators (home guards) or an isolated case. It was not a question of a few injuries, a few broken limbs and scratches here and there- this was a massive, grand campaign, to dehumanize, oppress, torture, subjugate - untold pain and suffering was committed against a people who were previously free in their own land. This was a crime against humanity of the first order and if Raila and our government want to help, like they ought to have done almost 50 years ago, they must devise a genuine program, a renewed struggle with British for atonement, restitution and reparations, for our people so that both parties; Kenyans and British can begin a healing process.
The uneasy and hypocritical relationship of denial that endures today- on both sides is temporal and potentially dangerous. We must face each other and revisit those painful moments and struggle, yet again. This time, to bring honor to those who perished, restitution for those still surviving and their children, redemption for the British, reparations for our country and healing for the masses.
This program; a movement, if you will, cannot be accomplished by quick and hurried law suit brought against the British government ; namely, to pay money to Mau Mau victims. In my opinion, it's not as simple as that. In fact, British might very well agree with your claim for their self interest -pay money and have our people sign a disclaimer, probably as follows:
“ Without accepting any wrong doing, and knowing that this suit might have no merits- Britain agrees to pay so much millions pounds---- and – Mau Mau people and Kenya government, hereby release and indemnify British people and government, their heirs--bra-- bra-- bra--- of any wrong doing and future claims whatsoever relating to Mau Mau claims and or colonial episodes in Kenya--------”
Only a fool would venture for such a quest. If we are not careful we will sell our freedom fighters, their children, their honor and sufferings for a few million pounds and shall be ashamed in future, for betraying our country and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
In fact, how much is it all worth, how can we begin to quantify in dollars or pounds the pain, suffering and agony that was endured? Let us start with a dialogue. Let us open the dark chapters of our history so as to shed some light on them and ourselves.
If we make it an economic issue, who is to say the British cannot come tomorrow, take our land, put people into reserves and internment camps and colonize us all over again- after all, whatever amount of money we shall sue them for – say 50 years from now, they can again pay just as they will pay this time around. May even pay us with the same money that they got from enslaving our people, taking our land and labor- taxing us without representation.
Prime Minister Raila, must be praised for changing the course of this quest for justice- from a claim laid by a few surviving Mau Mau people against British, to our country's quest for reparations, restitution, healing and redemption.
As such, we must do it right. It should never be an economic issue per se. This is first and foremost a moral issue. As for our hurting Mau Mau victims still alive, I would propose that a bill be moved in our parliament and law passed that sets aside funds to assist them ( like we should have done many years back), then proceed against British government in a meaningful and effective way that will not only end our history chapter of shame, but guarantee that British or any other nation will not prey on our people- resources, and freedoms ever again.
Prime minister and our government should summon a public dialogue in Kenya. Have the people openly define the struggle that our people and country went through. Define the crimes and evils that were committed against our people culminating into a crime against humanity. People must be allowed to see what those who claim to be champions of freedom and democracy – the Western countries, are capable of doing in denying or taking away that same freedom and democracy from fellow men. This way we make our people appreciate their freedom more and know that sometimes the only way to keep it is by firmly holding on to it. And letting another take away your freedom and dignity have dire consequences.
The wrongful acts committed against our people must be tabulated in an open dialogue: Land stolen, labor stolen, enslavement, forced taxation, forced labor, putting people in reserves, hunger, poverty, confiscating their livestock, restriction of movement, denial of education, banning our culture and traditions, mass arrests of innocent people, mass punishments (like taking peoples livestock in Nyeri and Murang'a under the guise that they were Mau Mau sympathizers) collective punishment, throwing people; including women and children into internment camps. Detentions without due process, brutal interrogations and torture, sadism by British soldiers and subjects. Anarchy by letting loose all British settlers in Kenya to dehumanize, maim even rape, kill and even murder our people. Land crown act; taking our land away by the British Crown. Curtailing our freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of movement, banning our political organizations- frustrating our political voice and leading our people into desperate measure in search of ways to regain their freedom and liberty. Mau Mau was our people's last result. Our self defense. Their resolve to fight British against such insurmountable odds is the best testimony of a man's claim to his God given unalienable right to freedom, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
We should strive for British's public admission of all the atrocities that colonization perpetrated against our people. There should be a public apology. British should enact a law in their parliament that issues a public apology to the people and nation of Kenya for colonialism. They should take responsibility for all the pain and suffering and murders and deaths that were a result of their alien and uninvited presence in our country. New Zealand has apologized to the Samoans for the atrocities they committed against them.
Justice should come to our people and country from Britain. British government should be held accountable and pay reparations to Kenya for all the atrocities of colonialism. And they should pay restitution to Mau Mau freedom fighters and their children for the injustice they committed against them. ( Italy paid Lybia; Germany paid Jews ; U. S. paid Japanese people) .
There should be a pledge – a bill enacted and law passed in British parliament that they will never again colonize, dominate or forcefully impose their will on our people and country.
Njau Njembura Njoroge. : 04/02/2010
To all Kenyans and friends of Kenya, please add your voice to this cause. Now is the time to stand with those who were denied freedom in their quest to guarantee our freedom. If yours is a different view from the one advanced in this article, please air it too because, we need to dialogue before our politicians mess up this important milestone of our country's history in their attempt to score some political points using mau mau victims. I like what they're saying so far but we must watch them closely we cannot just trust them. Mau Mau was a people's natural response to an unbelievable nightmare that had engulfed their lives, their space and their dignity.
Since it was a grass root movement with no elites prompting or external help whatsoever, we must make sure that our government does not run with the ball, collude with the British and bring us half baked solutions that fail to answer the great question:-Why did so called civilized and christian people (British) treat our people worse than they would animals without any provocation or justification whatsoever?
Kenyans should be fully involved and informed of every step that is taken in making British people and government answerable and accountable for the atrocities here-mentioned. Help in educating our people. Give your own views.