KUSA 2013/14 (20/05/2014) DIARIES
As we sat down for a caucus on what could be the effects of
going to the streets two days latter, only a few heads gathered. It was not
clear whether tea, water and allowances attracted people. There were no snacks
and many souls missed.
As other leaders got charged to join comrades, others had
the view that it was not yet time. They were not brief to say they fear
consequences. I will only say my stand
for the sake of those who may not agree with my views. I was for the streets!
How did the meeting end in KUSA boardroom? I do not remember
any other meeting ending with a conclusion. All the times we engulfed in
cognitive fight. Who could allow a ‘lesser-one’ advice? The NO team headed to
Amphitheatre to meet the rather warming up comrades as the YES team disappeared
into hostels.
I did not follow
up to know what transpired in the meeting.
Early in the morning, my friend and I trudged along the paths
of the town to arrive in Nairobi University on time. As early as 7.00am, whistles filled the chilly morning to
awaken the sleeping comrades. The staff obeyed and stood to watch. Being a tradition, some stood in support of
the cause- the government should reduce school fees in campus and not dare
increase as the cabinet secretary, Jacob Kaimenyi had prompted.
Slowly but gradual, comrades filled the open space before
Mboya hostels. Those who could get the best view of the podium watched from the
windows. Chanting raged… Incite us! Incite Us!
I loved this
pledge song and narrated from my heart ….’ If I die in the battle field*2, tell
my wife I tried my best!’…
With a charged crowd, the march started. Others ran. Some drank.
I took hold of the Manila paper that hosted the message. Journalists were not
late to cover it in their news.
To a first timer, it was very pleasing to see deserted Uhuru
highway as other cars moved in reverse and turned against the traffic laws in
hurry to evade the malicious ones. It
was the apex of life. I saw myself very powerful. Did I not do some push- ups
at the parliamentary buildings? This was
until we merged with Egerton University comrades at the parliament buildings then
drama ensued…
The fence of KICC was climbed by the swift. The slow ones
remained to test the mercy of the raging GSU officers. Those who ran away met
The Kenya Polytechnic comrades who were fiery with chanting. As we hugged and
danced, we were careful to notice any coming tanker. What a bad game!
Back to the main Campus, we had the confidence to chant thinking
that at no way could the officers enter the premise for it would be a breach to
the law and also result in campus closure. I was not of the view that we should
take hold of stones though it was the habit of some. We gathered for several
short lasting meetings at the SONU offices for addresses and more incites. But each
gathering had reduced number of attendees. Aluta continua…!
It was not until the officers entered the premise to cool up
the situation that the tempo subsided. Even the innocent who were passive,
somehow ignorant to the calls tested the tear gas. The unlucky ones found
themselves nursing ‘rungu’ strokes.
I had travelled back
to my quiet campus.
Tired and worn out, I wondered what the gains were….. Zero!
As the drums of another riot echoed, I was not concerned. Though HELB office had not worked to observe time-line, a riot would not solve. It never does
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