“The history of the world (or a country) is but a biography of (her) great men” these are the words of Thomas Carlyle. The words in bracket are mine. I came across this statement while reading Raila’s autobiography. It was attributed to Munyua Waiyaki while giving the eulogy during Jaramogi’s funeral. How apt. The almost 1000 page tome is the most accurate depiction of the history of Kenya that I have ever read. It has been co authored with Sarah Elderkin, who has been in the political trenches with Raila, but who more importantly as a journalist –(who edited “The weekly review” and thus)- must have access to many newspapers’ libraries and correct account of events. She writes like someone who has always been paid to write. For someone whose enigmatic character has always flavoured Kenyan politics, characterised by high drama at every turn, this book is a delightful reading for lovers of local history. If it were up to me, it will be a compulsory text for students of Kenyan history.....In the book no doubt some of the accounts may be self serving, some may be misrepresentations, out of some of the chapters leap accusations against some characters that would leave readers wondering why they are still free men in a free country, but since its launch none of these have been challenged in any forum. He depicts himself as an afro-optimist and a pan Africanist, an indefatigable fighter of humanism who lives to another Carlyle quote: “.......permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities: It is this that in all things distinguishes the strong from the weak....” or if I may borrow his words “.....the African dream will finally be realised. The road might be difficult and the obstacles might at times seem insurmountable, but until we reach that time, and find that place, the flame of freedom will never be extinguished”
Posted on: Fri, 11 Apr 2014 17:30:07 +0000