Heroes who contributed to Kenya's rebirth

By Oscar Obonyo

The historic event at Uhuru Park might have been momentous, but to some who have walked the reform path for decades it was a sentimental affair.

Some like veteran politician Martin Shikuku, who participated in the formulation of the old Constitution at Lancaster in United Kingdom, could not restrain themselves from dropping a tear.

Another Lancaster veteran Denis Akumu, former Nyakach MP, and a continental trade unionist, watched the events with nostalgia, as he lay in his sickbed. How he wished he were at the Uhuru Park on Friday, to relive a second historic moment.

Many more who participated in their small way equally showed up at the historic venue. It has been a torturous journey, with some losing their lives or getting maimed.

The list of the key participants, which spans over three decades, is indeed long. But below, in no particular order, are some of the players:

The Young Turks from right Gitobu Imanyara, James Orengo, Kiraitu Murungi and Raila Odinga (standing behind Orengo.)

Kenneth Matiba

Then an oppositionist, the former Cabinet minister is credited for sparking off confrontation with Government in the push for multiparty democracy. Alongside Charles Rubia, he called for the inaugural protest rally on July 7 1990, dubbed ‘Saba Saba’.

Now ailing at his rural home in Nairobi, reportedly from related torture by Government and old age.

Martin Shikuku

Then the MP for Butere, Shikuku’s war against what he regarded as authoritarian rule began in 1975. He was hauled into detention after making derogatory remarks about Kanu and the Kenyatta administration. On his release in 1978, Shikuku has consistently fought against the old Lancaster House Constitution of which he participated in its formulation.

Now retired from active politics. He attended the Friday ceremony.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga

Then the self-proclaimed doyen of opposition politics, Odinga’s struggle started in 1967 after he resigned as Vice-President. The author of ‘Not Yet Uhuru’, Jaramogi’s efforts to register a political party was many times frustrated. He died in 1994, as Bondo MP.　

Masinde Muliro

Then a leading oppositionist, Masinde who worked closely with Jaramogi kicked off the push for new order in his later years in life. He was founder member of the original Ford. He died in 1992 in questionable circumstances, just before the General Election that year.　

Wangari Maathai

Then an environmental activist, she staged a sustained campaign for a new order, including leading women into pushing for the release of political prisoners. Law enforcement officers clobbered her on many occasions.

Now a respected Nobel Laureate 　

Daniel Arap Moi

Then President of Kenya, Moi shocked many, including some of his own diehard supporters when he declared in December 1991, the repeal of Section 2a of the Constitution to allow for multiparty politics. In 1997, Moi again gave in to minimum electoral reforms, though a deal among MPs.

Now in retirement and although he campaigned against the new Constitution, he maintains he was opposed to sections of it.

Alexander Kipsang Muge

Then a fierce critic of single party rule. Bishop Muge openly preached against the autocratic ways of the Kanu regime. He, too, died in questionable circumstances through a road accident.

Willy Mutunga

Then co-chair of Citizens’ Coalition for Constitutional Change, Mutunga was the face of the NGO advocacy. The human rights lawyer staged a spirited push underground in conferences and on the streets.

Now Programme Officer, Ford Foundation.

Pheroze Nowrjee

Then a lead lawyer-cum-political figure, Nowrjee has been a constant face in the struggle – on the streets and court corridors. At some point he joined active politics alongside Orengo under the Mageuzi platform.

Now, as before, he is an advocate of the High Court

Davinder Lamber

Then the Executive Director of Mazingira Institute, Lamber brought to the fore what Kenyans came to understand as the ‘civil society’. Setting up later the ‘Operation Firimbi’ outfit, Lamber remains the vocal voice of the voiceless.

Now, Operation Firimbi director. He graced the promulgation event.　

Oki Ooko Ombaka

As MP for Gem in the Seventh Parliament, Ombaka was a thorn in the flesh of the Kanu regime. Unlike most of his colleagues, Ombaka fought his battles on the floor of the House resulting into minimum electoral reforms in 1997.

Ombaka, who later served as vice- chairman to Constitution of Kenya Review Commission, is dead.

Raila Odinga

Then an engineer in private practice, Raila staged resistance to single party leadership after leaving his University of Nairobi job, where he was a lecturer. Detained twice for a total period of nine years, Raila has perhaps the longest and most consistent history in the reform struggle. It was a most befitting moment for him to taste the struggle’s utmost victory as country’s Prime Minister. He has been a constant light in the struggle for constitutional change.

He is now the Prime Minister, and a potent presidential aspirant in the 2012 General Election.　

Timothy Njoya

Then PCEA prelate and a harsh critic of the Kanu regime, the Reverend Njoya is the face of an otherwise brave lot of clergy who in the 1990s stepped up pressure on Government for a new constitution.

He is now retired, but is actively involved in the reform movement.

Koigi Wa Wamwere

Then an MP and later detainee. Staged a sustained two-decade long campaign for a new order. Later fled to exile in Norway returning in 2002 shortly before Kibaki was elected President.

He runs a radio station in Nakuru. He campaigned against the new Constitution and stayed away from the promulgation on Friday.

Mwai Kibaki

Then leader of Democratic Party, Kibaki joined the struggle after decamping from Kanu to join opposition politics.

Though belatedly, he picked up in 1998 on becoming Leader of Official Opposition hit the streets and getting tear-gassed.

Now, President　

Henry Okullu

Then a fiery Anglican Bishop of Kisumu, Okullu is among the clergy who used the pulpit to hit out at Government and advocate for political pluralism.

Now deceased.　

Chelegat Mutai

Then a youthful MP of Eldoret Town, she was among the earliest legislators to raise the red flag over apparent dictatorial rule in the 1970s. Partly because of her push to clip presidential powers, Chelegat became a marked person and eventually fled the country.

Now leading a quiet life partly in Eldoret and Nairobi


George Anyona

Then MP for Kitutu Masaba. Detained allegedly for plotting to overthrow Government, and being in possession of ‘pambana’ (seditious literature).

Now deceased

Paul Muite

Then a leading lawyer, Muite found his leg in the politics of the day by representing political prisoners and detainees in the struggle. He later joined politics proper and was one of the so-called ‘Young Turks’ who spearheaded advocacy for the repeal of Section 2A.

NOW a political party leader and practicing lawyer

Kiraitu Murungi

Then a leading lawyer, Kiraitu found his leg in the politics of the day by representing political prisoners and detainees. He later joined politics proper and was one of the so-called ‘Young Turks’ who spearheaded advocacy for the repeal of Section 2a.

He is now a Cabinet minister.　

Wamalwa Kijana

Then a leading lawyer, Wamalwa found his leg in the politics of the day by representing political prisoners and detainees. He later joined politics proper and was one of the so-called ‘Young Turks’ who spearheaded advocacy for the repeal of Section 2a. The late Wamalwa served as the eighth vice-president.　

James Orengo

Then a leading lawyer, Orengo’s pro-reform campaigns began in earnest when he was a student leader at University of Nairobi in the 1970s. Over the time, the daring Ugenya MP and a ‘Young Turk’ has been synonymous with pro-reform street battles. He is now a Cabinet minister.

David Gitari

Then head of Anglican Church, Gitari spearheaded the reform struggle to fill the vacuum left by political opposition, most who had either been detained or forced into exile.

Now retired but actively involved in reform efforts

Jean Marie Seroney

Then a deputy Speaker in Parliament, Seroney was a champion of democracy. The former Tinderet MP stood up and steadfastly fought against single party dictatorship inside and outside Parliament. He was detained in 1975 for supporting Shikuku’s claims ‘Kanu is dead’. Now deceased.　

Martha Karua

Then a lawyer, Karua upped her game when she joined Parliament in 1992 as Gichugu MP. Ever since, she pushed for reforms consistently and as Justice Minister in 2008, she rolled out a watertight plan for smooth delivery of the new Constitution.

The Narc-Kenya party leader was at Uhuru Park on Friday.