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!
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!
9 comments:
It is my opinion that seronei is no longer relevant to many Nandis who are no longer nostalgic about the seventies.The man's legacy is not worth mentioning because he did not leave any footprints in the sands of time.by saying Nandi is for Nandis he suceeded in making his subjects act and think small. The people should be warned never to tolerate whoever espouses that school of thought.
In response to the first comment. Those who do not know their history are bound to repeat it. Seronei was well a head of his time, he advocated for the victims of the "settlers", beginning with the colonialist, then the multinational tea farms to the neocolonial elite who took over. Have you been to Nandi hills? who continues to profit from all the tea farms? if you have any evidence to show that the land reverted back to the original owners, feel free to share that bit of information. We continue to see the consequences of "your school of thought". I kindly suggest that you go back to you history teacher and demand a refund.
the Kalenjin community at large have completely let down the undying spirit of Jean Marie Seroney.We have failed to capture the ideals and dreams he had for the country.Enough of this present time failed leadership
What vision did Seroney have besides telling Kalenjins, sorry Nandis, that Rift Valley belonged to them and no "foreigner", other tribes, should be welcome? This man was more like the johnny come lately and their madoa doa comments that caused mayhem in 2007.Pathetic people like you and others who think that those spreading hate are heros, don't know how heros look like. Kenya needs heros and you can become one by shunning tribalism. KM
Jean Marie seroney fought hard to defend Kalenjin Land.... Koitalel fought pysically, led a rebellion for 5 years and got killed for our land. William Ruto gave out our land and heritage on a silver platter in Naivasha. With Ruto's approval in Naivasha, where he had represented the Kalenjin, the undying spirits of Seroney and Koitalel were finally murdered. Shame on William Ruto.
In not having a clear describtion of an hero,we may be forced to undermine our true heroes. Before we were Kenyans,we were Kalenjins and i wonder if the other bearded sisters were tribalists. Ngugi wa Thing'o said: 'If you want to learn literature,start with that of Kenya then that of East Africa,then that of Africa, Latin America,Asia then the rest of the world." Seroney & Alex Kipsang Muge are our fellen heroes. Chelagat Mutai & Kipruto Kirwa are still living.
Kipsolit eng asis, today is histiric because Kosgey a ricipe or beneficiary to Jean m seroneny seat is sent to the hague.To. a true fact Jean m serony
never died of Anemia ,he was killed at mp shah hospital.My uncle. Mr . Ole surtan was a close and a friend who took care of him at mp shah hospital.but at tha fateful day ,he left his friend, and a doctor of asian origin with the company of arap B went and forced some injection on him and that was to be his end.suprisingly, my uncle ,died of Lukemia in 200. and we buried him near lake elementaiata.coincidence lukemia killed like what was said of Jean m seroney
Today mark history 50% of hague candidates are nandis among the dosen and dosens of the kenyan trbes.YeS,KOITALEL Said NO GOOD leadership for 100 year and yes the day has come.opportunistic and bad leaders are done with
I admire Seronei's way of Boldness and firmness, he is truly a Typical African Leader who went for reforms and fought with passion stupidity and exhilarated the undermining of African people. Long live your attribute my Hero amongst our Generation.
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