Re: ADONGO OGONY RESPONDS TO MANGANGA OF "Kenya Heroes Documentation Project"

From: agwandasymo

Migosi Ogony,

Allow me to interject my two senses Sir. My case on this issue was temporarily rested but I must reinforce a few points as the genesis of this discussion is being lost to frenzied rejoinders from both sides.

Whereas I cannot speak for Manganga, I also questioned 'Miguna's story' especially his (Miguna) attempt to present as being in a league of exclusives when it comes to those who suffered under Moi. I questioned the level of public knowledge on Miguna's seemingly overloaded heroics while comparing this with the societal acknowledgement of other liberation leaders like Raila Odinga. Mine had nothing to do with compiling this or that book but a response to what I saw as Miguna's overpresentation of an otherwise known issue.

Sir, nobody seeks to dispute the fact that Miguna, like other students and countless Kenyans, was tormented by the Moi regime. What I and others sought to denounce was the inference that Miguna's struggles were a class above other students and most Kisumu residents like myself, who also participated in resisting Moi's dictatorship through 'the Mawe Resistance'. I thought Miguna's was misinformation loaded with intense personal marketing for an otherwise less documented and acknowledged 'heroism'. Miguna and his euphoric brigade were attempting to seek his elevation to the level of Agwambo etc. And all these were done in search of political mileage related to electoral aspirations. This is what I and other Kenyans said NO to, the attempt to deceive voters.

Bwana Ogony, I hope you notice how close you are to concurring with my opinions when you ask "Where did this idea of hierarchy of suffering come from?" Miguna attempts to have the society to rate him a class above some of us who also have equally compelling tales to tell when it comes to suffering under Moi. Some representatives of the society are saying "wait a minute!", we all suffered under Moi and if you think your case deserves more respect that others, we will seek such authentication by whatever resource necessary. The burden is on Miguna to win such elevation and going by your argument that it is nonsensical to rate suffering, I am unsure how far Miguna will go as almost all Kenyans suffered under Moi and seek the cap 'suffering under Moi without bitterness".

I personally would rate other Kenyans higher than everyone else. Miguna is yet to convince me and several other Kenyan historians that he belongs to the exclusive club.