RASTAFARI IN KENYA

KIMATHI'S UNFLINCHING LEADERSHIP

Statue of the Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi : Nairobi
Photo - Sista Mary Dread

Kimathi is recognised as the true leader of the Kenyan masses as well as the symbol of the country's heroism. He had a heart of steel which made him and his fiercely militant to have political stance against the British. For the masses of Kenya and the guerillas in the forest, Kimathi symbolised a new patriotism against foreign rule, he represented the birth of a new Kenya. He was the great inspirer in the heart of struggle. He is a symbol of principled resistance to oppression according to many Kenyans. 

He never wanted anybody to screen him from his mission. He even made it clear through his papers that,"if one of the KAU (the first countrywide nationalist party which means Kenya African Union) leaders or anybody else gets in our way we will cut him down just the same we have done to those who stood in our way". Kimathi's word, "I did not know how to bear it, and for days and weeks I hobbled about with the same song in my head. So they had killed my family and I alone was left....".Even to this day, despite concerned attempts by Anti-Mau Mau intellectuals, the ex-home guards and other unpatriotic elements to brand Kimathi as a 'terrorist' and a 'brutal murderer', he still remains one of the most popular leaders and patriots in Kenyan's history..         

Kimathi urged Kenyans to have courage and strength; to tread in paths that he had trodden; drink from his cup, a cup of courage which he drunk from, it's a cup of pain and suffering, a cup of tears and of death; and not to be afraid of imprisonment and not ever to despair.

Article written by Joram Wainaina

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