THIS WEEK IN HISTORY!

Time travel feels like an ancient tradition rooted in old mythologies, old as gods and dragons. It isn’t. It is the ability to go back in time and feel history, see it, and revel in it. Dare I even say, you can almost taste it. So, this week, we look at the key moments that shaped the nation and changed the course of our country’s history. This is a week in history.

Courtesy of Pexels.com

On January 15, 2019, an attack occurred at the Dusit D2 Complex in Westlands, Chiromo, resulting in the loss of 22 civilian lives. Five armed terrorists gained entry to the premises and carried out activities that added another tragic event to Kenya’s history of terror attacks. However, the Kenya Defense Forces and the National Police Service were well-prepared to handle such situations, having gained experience from previous incidents like the Westgate Attack in 2013 and the Garissa University Attack in 2015. They swiftly responded, working together to rescue hostages, eliminate all five militants, and finally bring an end to the siege by the following day, January 16, at 10:00 am.

On January 17, 2008, Koffi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, arrived in Kenya to mediate the conflict that had arisen between former President Kibaki and former Prime Minister Odinga, as well as their respective supporters. The December 2007 elections had been marred by allegations of electoral manipulation, leading to disputes over the victory of Mr. Kibaki. Following Mr. Kibaki’s inauguration on December 30th, Mr. Odinga called for mass protests across the country, which ultimately sparked widespread violence and crimes committed by Kenyans against each other. Today, we solemnly remember all those who tragically lost their lives and extend our heartfelt prayers to those who suffered losses in terms of loved ones and property.

Courtesy of the Washington Post.

On January 18, 1967, the Kenya African National Union was announced by Former President Jomo Kenyatta. This announcement held significant importance as the country was in its early stages and required a symbol of unity. It called for leaders from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities to come together and advocate for the Kenyan flag. The original members, including Jomo Kenyatta, Tom Mboya, Daniel Moi, Jaramogi Oginga, and others, aimed to unify the nation and prevent tribalism. However, they were idealists Je wangekuwa mambo yangekuwa sawa?.

After the passing of Mzee Kenyatta, Moi took the oath of office as Kenya’s second president on January 20th, 1978. This was a significant moment as it facilitated a peaceful and lawful transfer of power from one administration to another. It also marked the transition from Kikuyu-dominated ethnic politics to Kalenjin-led ethnic politics, potentially indicating a shift in the allocation of government and natural resources. In a time of mourning and uncertainty for the Kenyan people, Moi pledged to combat tribalism and corruption and to carry on in the footsteps of Mzee Kenyatta hence, the ‘tufuate nyayo’slogan. Wewe unajua kama alitimiza. Mine is to facilitate the time travel. What you do with it, is up to you.

On January 21, 1969, Thomas Mboya, a well-known politician and the Minister of Economic Planning and Development at the time, was murdered by Nahashon Isaac Njenga Njoroge, who was a trade unionist. This event led to widespread demonstrations and unrest, fueling ethnic divisions between the Kikuyu and Luo communities in the country.

With that, the journey of looking back in time comes to an end. Join me next week. Same place, same time. Until then, Auf Wiedersehen.