Jaramogi Oneko: A Warrior and Visionary Passes On

Rev. Otura,

We must join you in mourning the Late Jaramogi Achien'g Oneko; a man of principles, who was willing to stick to his priciples even if they conflicted with short-term political expediencies. A true Kenyan to the kilt. Yesterday saw the last of our true Warriors: the Kapenguria Six every Kenya Primary School kid reads about.

To the Ramogi, we have lost a source of inspiration and a reminder of our past struggles, and a need for levl-headedness as we face the future, because that is what Nyakech stood for: Asking without violence; counseling without shouting; leading without the corrupting opulence of power.

Hon. Oneko, is perhaps the last one who could tell us the truth, however unpleasant it was. We must wonder if the wisdom of the Ramogi people has gone with this one son. But amid sorrow and anguish, desparation often raises its ugly head. We must not lose hope. We must hope for another Oneko. Those who have studied Luo Oral History and the Bible should have consolation in certain parallels: That every generation has a Luanda Magere or a Gideon; that every generation sees a Gor Mahia or a Samuel; that every generation sees a Jaramogi Odinga or a Moses---men who came so close but would never reach the promised land. Every generation sees a Jaramogi Achieng' Oneko, a man who counseled kings, spoke in wisdom and fought in the frontlines of every political battle without asking for any reward, or a Crown of Glory. That is termed in moral circles as Self-abnegation. For such humble people, success is measured in the glory of thier charges or kings. For Oneko Nyakech (Oneko the Antelope) glory and succeess must measured in the vision his long neck and sharp eyes enabled him to provide to our kings.

Oneko died the ultimate Kenyan Nationalist. At this time of the loss of one of her greats, Kenya must pray and look inwards for another source of inspiration: a uniter; a person who can transcend ethnic bounderies and suffer for a united Nation.

With humility, your fellow journeyman

Joseph Ramogi Alila