Tuesday, February 28, 2006

LEST WE FORGET

We Kenyans are notorious for what I would call SMS (Short Memory Syndrome). We fete our heroes today tomorrow we nail them on some cross. How I wish we could spare a moment for them and think of ways of honouring them (especially those who are still with us).

I wish to list down the Kenyans whom I will call the heroes of the second liberation. These are the men and women who risked their careers, limbs, family, liberty and property to agitate for freedom. Almost all of them had comfortable jobs or prosperous businesses and they could have opted to keep quiet and enjoy. The list is not exhaustive but I hope the point is made.

STUDENT LEADERS
q Titus Adungosi
q Mwandawiro Mghanga
q Wafula Buke
q Tirop Kitur
q David Murathe

BISHOPS
q Bishop Henry Okullu
q Bishop Alexander Muge
q Bishop (Archbishop) David Gitari
q Rev Timothy Njoya

EDITORS
q Gitobu Imanyara
q Njehu Gatabaki
q Pius Nyamora

LAWYERS
q Dr Oki Ooko Ombaka
q Dr John Khaminwa
q Dr Gibson Kamau Kuria
q Dr Willy Mutunga
q Pheroze Nowrojee
q James Orengo
q Wanyiri Kihoro
q Charles Nyachae
q Rumba Kinuthia
q Beatrice Nduta
q Japheth Shamalla
q Gacheche wa Miano

POLITICIANS

q Charles Rubia
q Jaramogi Adonijah Oginga Odinga
q Keneth Stanley Njindo Matiba
q Masinde Muliro
q Salim Ndamwe
q Mohammed Bhamariz
q Joseph Martin Shikuku
q George Anyona
q Njeru Kathangu
q Philip Gachoka
q Ngotho Kariuki
q Prof Edward Oyugi

And the villains?