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.