Jean-Marie Seroney will forever remain one of Kenya's greatest champions for democracy for having had the courage to criticize both the Kenyatta and Moi governments at a time when such criticism was almost tantamount to suicide. A few years after Kenya's independence in 1963, the country was firmly united under President Jomo Kenyatta and supported him euphorically, often opting to ignore his government's shortcomings. While some say the lack of major political dissent during Kenyatta's Presidency was as a result of the desire by Kenyans to ensure peace and tranquility during the initial years of statehood, many others will tell you it was simply out of fear of reprisals from the very powerful Kenyatta.
Kenyatta was not only considered a father figure by most Kenyans, but a liberator too. Needless to say, the political capital he reaped from this was unsurmountable making him extremely powerful. That politicians like Seroney even mastered up enough courage to stand up against Kenyatta's government is something that still baffles many Kenyans. The other Kenyan politicians enjoying almost similar post-humous celebrity for their defiance include the late Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, popularly known as JM, The late Bishop Alexander Kipsang' Muge, and the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. JM died under mysterious circumstances in what many Kenyans still suspect was an assasination for his opposition to President Kenyatta's administration.
Its important to note here that Jean-Marie Seroney hailed from the Nandi community in Kenya, which historically has been a bedrock of brave, principled and fiercely independent leaders. Their lineage goes way back to none other than the legendary Koitalel arap Samoei, the Nandi leader who put up a spirited fight against the British colonialists when they first arrived in the East African region towards the end of the 19th century. Other notable Nandi leaders known to exhibit similar attributes include the late Bishop Alexander Kipsang' Muge, Kipruto arap Kirwa, John Sambu, just to mention but a few. The Nandis are a subset of the much larger Kalenjin community which includes other groups like the Keiyo and Tugen, Kipsigis among others. Even though President Moi also hails from the Kalenjin community (a Tugen), his Nandi brothers have not been the least bit hesitant to bring to his attention issues they feel his administration has failed to address.
(EXCERPTS FROM: tinderet.com, Daily Nation, Standard Newspapers, Weekly Review and independent research)
