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Last Saturday, I attended celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of the demise of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the doyen of opposition politics and the man Kenyans will never forget.

The event was a star-studded cast of who-is-who in the struggle for democracy in Kenya.

It was an opportunity to link up with the professors who introduced me to the study of political science at the University of Nairobi, the academic hotbed of the current generation of the country’s accomplished politicians.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o (the host) opened my eyes to the political economy of underdevelopment. Prof Michael Chege, a keynote speaker at the event, taught me alongside Prof Ahmed Mohiddin (African political thought).

These governance concepts these academicians taught endure today as does the legacy that Jaramogi left after an incredible political career forever indelibly etched in the annals of Kenya’s history.

Jaramogi gave Kenya an unforgettable gift of selfless nationalism and patriotism demonstrated in 1962 when he declined the opportunity to lead independent Kenya offered to him by the British colonial government.

He categorically refused the offer he rightfully deserved, instead leading calls for Jomo Kenyatta’s unconditional release from prison to take up the mantle, equating him to the “god of Kenyan politics”. The British relented and Kenyatta was released to lead Kenya. Jaramogi thus demonstrated the most enviable quality lacking among Kenyan politicians – belief that power belongs to the people and not self-seeking individuals.

Such a magnanimous gesture is unimaginable in current corrupt murky Kenyan politics, where the quest for the presidency is a life-and-death matter in which some of those who covet the seat seek to grab it by all means and at all costs.

That reality has exposed grave fears that the democracy and nationalism Jaramogi and other freedom fighters fought for are in danger of being rolled back and scorched by an authoritarian “imperial presidency”.

Centenarian Gitu Kahengeri, who has been fighting for reparations for Mau Mau freedom fighters spoke at the event, which provided a platform to inflict a sharp indictment on the current trend of divisive, dirty Kenyan politics.

Kahengeri eloquently appealed for a generational healing of the wounds on nationalism festered by bad leadership and the negative and arrogant winner-takes-it all attitude that has sadly pervaded Kenyan politics.

The panel included a leading light of women in Kenyan politics, Jael Mbogo, who recounted Jaramogi’s glowing political and nationalism attributes.

His plea was adroitly taken up by former World Trade Organisation Executive Director Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, who expressed alarm and dismay at the seemingly determined efforts to erode the monumental efforts and achievements of the painful struggle for democracy.

Alluding to Kahengeri’s remarks, Kituyi said most of those in the Kenya Kwanza government did not believe in the struggle for democracy and are determined to roll back the gains of the struggle by manipulating the Constitution and imposing totalitarian policies.

The unbelievable attacks by the Executive on the Judiciary, an independent arm of government, and the Controller of Budget were condemned. The harsh indictment was extended to the lethargic Legislature, which has been “captured” by the Executive.

Described as “the worst Parliament in Kenya’s history”, the scenario also offers a golden opportunity for a people-led restoration of democracy, fidelity to the Constitution and reinstating power to its true owners – the people of Kenya.

Perhaps it’s time for the fruition of Jaramogi’s enduring legacy.

— The writer comments on politics and constitutional affairs.

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