In memory of Jean-Marie Seroney

This month marks the 23rd anniversary since the demise of Jean-Marie Seroney, the first MP of Nandi and one of only five black African advocates at independence. The son of an Anglican Priest, Reuben, Seroney lived as a legislator and is probably more remembered for originating (before the government took over and adopted) the laws that govern the general and presidential elections act. As the law stands today, it is a reminder of his vision, innovativeness and creativity for long before anybody thought of it he was there with a private member's motion. Seroney's political life was chequered because he was not a good friend of the premier Rift-Valley mafia nor was he a boot-licker of the Kiambu mafia either. Undaunted by the resistances, however, he moved on but succumbed to jaundice and anaemia in Dec 1983 and was interred on 13 Dec 1983.

His spirit lives on in such controversial but fond ideologies as the Nandi-Hills declaration and the derision of the 'six bearded sisters' infamy (in league with Anyona, Orengo, Mwachofi, Shikuku, "Seroney girl'- Chelagat Mutai). He was also to make history as the only sitting MP (indeed deputy speaker) to be arrested within the sanctity of parliament in utter contravention of parliamentary immunity. This was after the 'Kanu is dead' quip by his comrade-in-arms, Joseph Martin Shikuku. The remark by Seroney that Shikuku didn't need to substantiate the obvious irked then VP Moi and landed him (Seroney) in further hot soup. Nonetheless, he remains lionised in death and his contribution to Kalenjin identity and pride (in league with Taaita arap Toweet et al) remains a monumental contribution that the hay of history cannot burry.

The son of Kap Rottuk has refused to leave the psyche of the Nandi. In death as in life he remains peerless and all I can say is..Fare thee well John!

The shame of Kibaki government's despotism

We have witnessed, yet again today, the ugly head reared by the ugly forces of men in power who are ready to use any crude means to muzzle Kenyans and deny them their democratic rights. After a state-sponsored take-over of Kanu by the diminutive Kerio-South member of parliament - Kipyator Nicholas Kiprono arap Biwott, the government went ahead and registered the splinter group in record-breaking time. This initiated a roller-coaster for the former misruling party and, by a stroke of the pen, the government took Kenyans back to the dark ugly days of Kanu's brutal disruption of political parties and detention without trial of pluralism activists. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. In the ranks of the government ministers, not least of whom is the minister for Law-breaking and constitutional disobedience, Martha Karua- are men and women who were incarcerated at will by Biwott's Kanu.

The government decided to break up a peaceful demonstration of legitimate Kanu officials just because torture has left the psyche of the lot that is swimming in power. To merely return Kenyans to the dark days of single-party dictatorship and rule by fiat is a crime against the Kenyan people and I consider it a treasonable act. Where was this brutal force when Kenyans were butchering each other in Kuresoi, Molo and Mathare? Where was this brutal force when Mungiki went on the streets to sing platitudes to some government ministers? Why is this gobernment reversing the gains it made when it won the hearts and minds of Kenyans? Biwott has stolen the party, just like his Kanu presided over theft by servant and plunder of national resources. The Kanu government battered Kenyans into exile and meekness but that did not dissolve the rock-solid determination to change the regime when the time came.

The government's use of brute force, disruption of opposition rallies and theft of political parties will not win the conscience of Kenyans. It only serves to alienate the citizenry from a ruling class that has no memory about the suffering that the country went through as it mourned under the wounds inflicted by a regime that had become drunk with power. When the government turns the instruments that should be used for the protection of the citizens on the same hapless citizenry, the answer is only an exercise of the right to send it packing. For we have no business being led by such people as these. By the way, where are the noise-makers of the yesteryears, Koigi et al, or is because it is not Moi who is visiting terror on harmless people and annexing the citizens' rights. Was it wrong when it was done by Moi but right when it is done under Mr. Kibaki?

The government is provoking civil strive using its manambas in the former ruling party and all progressive forces and Kenyans of goodwill should unite under ODM-Kenya. Biwott has nothing to offer Kenyans having had his time to guide Kanu and Moi as the latter's kitchen cabinet's 'sauce de chef'. This action coming hot on the heals of a similar brutal disruption of an ODM prayer meeting at Kamugunji is an indictment on Kibaki's government. It reflects poorly on its purported respect for human and civic rights. What a shame on Kibaki's government!