Re: Jaramogi

From: Oduor Ongwen

Whatever the motive of this article, I find it rather derogatory of a Kenyan community. To understand why the Luo have been seen to follow Jaramogi [and Raila after him] religiously, it is imperative to go back to the history of country and that community from pre-independence. Why did they elect Jaramogi to replace Ohanga in the LEGCO?. Why did he decline independence without Kenyatta? Fast forward to immediate post-independence years - circa 1965 - and the marginalisation, harassment, massacres and oathings that followed the formation of KPU in 1966. And it was not just Luos who were targeted but all progressive Kenyans. I am sure many have heard of Pio Gama Pinto, Bildad Kaggia, Msanifu Kombo, Kungu Karumba, J.M. kariuki, the list is quite long. And have we forgotten the Moi era, when the only voice of dissent was Jaramogi's - often teaming up with the late George Anyona and the late Oyangi Mbaja? Have we forgotten Raila's tribulations as struggled with Moi-Kanu dictatorship?

I reckon Jaramogi embodied Kenyans aspirations - not just Luos. I also aver that Raila was not detained fighting for Luo secession but for a national cause, for which many did not have the courage to risk their comforts - let alone lives. The fact that he is a Luo is something he cannot change. Comparing Jaramogi with Lotodo and Angaine, not to mention Kenyatta is the highest insult to that illustrious son of Kenya.

To say Luos can only ask "how high?" when Raila tells them to jump is an insult. I don't know what was the motive of reproducing that offending article, coloured with supposed accolades to Raila for joining Moi on his own terms, but basically depicting the Luo community as a mindless mob ready to follow an Odinga because he is an Odinga.

For everyone's information, Jaramogi had an elder son, who is also a politician.