Unsung Heroes Who Shaped Our Nation’s Legacy
” The history of a nation is defined by her capacity to recognize her heroes & heroins and the future of a nation is defined by how far back that nation looks to the past , because the past defines the present and the present defines the future ” Prof. PLO Lumumba.
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By Maina Kamau
Are these the only heroes in Kenya ? I battled with this question after cycles of listening the Mashujaa day president speech. After a thorough research I came to a conclusion that ; Kenya has an abundance of heroes across its communities but they aare barely recognized in our history books and the scripted president speech.
Through my research I found names you probably have never heard of , in the area of conservation for example we have ;
- Gecara win. ( The Green Worrior )
Born in a small village at the edge of Aberdare, he had a close association with the forests, wildlife & the environment. He launched the ‘ Green Estates Initiatives ‘ which focused on reforestation, sustainable land use & wildlife protection. In 2024 he was honoured with the African Conservation Leadership Award recognizing his work in ecological restoration & environmental education. He healed the nature and awakened our environment consciousness.
- In the field of Architect – The Mano Women amongst the Gabra.
We talk of Amazon women in Dahome or present day Benin ; But we forget that in Kenya amongst the Gabra we had the mano women who were architects of portable houses called ”Mondas” which were made with materials such as ” Harra” ( weave mats) . This architectural knowledge kept their nomadic lifestyles alive, because they had to be dismantled and rebuild as the community moved on .
- British Resistance – Moraa Wang’iti amongst the Abagusii.
She was a prominent leader in the Gusii community who was tortured by the British because of her anti-colonial resistance. As a prophetess and healer, she was a fierce and influential leader of the rebellion, and the British sought to coerce her into submission. In 1908 during the Gusii uprising Moraa had a persistent resistance and open defiance of colonial authorities who had torched their homes, seized livestock & destroyed their farms. She was betrayed by local collaborator’s.
- Great Poet’s – Fumo wa Liyongo.
We celebrate great poet’s like William Shakespeare , but we forget that in our own country amongst the Mijikenda had poetic prowess as he was a composer of epic songs and poems known as ‘ngojera’ and ‘ mashairi ‘ in the Swahili tradition. This poems conveyed messages of courage, honour & social justice. His legacy still edures as he remains one of the most celebrated figures in that part of the country.
- Elizabeth Kanitha ( Mama Kanja) – First woman to be appointed by the Njuri Ncheke
She is recognized as the first woman to be appointed as the First Assistant Woman to be appointed by the Njuri Ncheke, among the meru community. She was one of the women who held to account the leadership of the council of Njuri ncheke. During her tenure she mediated disputes with justice & became an inspiration for young women amongst the Meru communities.
The above heroes should be immortalized because Our education system only recognizes Kenya as if it started existing in 1963.
When we are writing history books they should have a pride of place because, ” The history of a nation is defined by her capacity to recognize her heroes & heroins and the future of a nation is defined by how far back that nation looks to the past , because the past defines the present and the present defines the future ” Prof. PLO Lumumba.
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