With or without a licence

The purpoted cancellation of the ODM rally at Uhuru park has rekindled memories of the violet times of 1991/1992 when agitation for pluralism was in top gear.

One particular incident will forever remain printed in the minds of many.This was November 1991.

The late Ajuma Jaramogi and his young turks had applied for a rally at Kamukunji grounds but MOI chose not to licence it. In defiance the people decided that the Rally will go on 'with or without a licence". Ajuma and others were picked from their houses the night to the d-day and locked up,some young turks fearing arrest sought refuge at Smith Hempstones residence but the rest who managed to slip from the police attempted to drive into Kamukunji. Kudos to Orengo, Shikuku etc. What ensued was wide spread chaos as the country almost became ungovernable and in no time MOI gave in to OUR demands, Restoration of Multipartyism.

I foresee a repeat this Saturday.The Government and its latest think tank-MOI has chosen to incite the people again.

Just recently we saw activists who were condemning MPs huge send off packages being clobbered simply because they had not sought police clearance yet they were peaceful. A week ago we saw well meaning legislators out to make a contribution at a harambee being shot at with arrows yet they had not shown any intent of spoiling the party. We can recall 1997 when Agwambo was confronted in Ngong when he went to campaign for Wambui Otieno by alleged Maasai Morans who spotted crew cuts and guns. All these have been attempts to cow our resolves. However let them be told WE ARE NOT YET FATIGUED.

The Uhuru Park rally where Agwambo is set to launch his "un-geng'orable" race to state house MUST go on with or without a licence. If indeed all requirements had been met,how can ODM be advised to postpone their big day in favour of some youths whose only activity is to shout kibaki tena and receive handouts at the end of the day.

Most of those Youths being misused in the name of Vijana na kibaki do not know the price we paid for the current freedom enjoyed.I wonder what inspiration they see in Kibaki's tired ,corrupt and arrogant inner core.

They should also be warned that ODM supporters will view them as sellouts and they might be caught in the confrontation likely to occur between progressive forces and agents of doom in the Kibaki tena na wizi group.

I think it is high time we launched 'OPARESON KIBAKI OUT-OKO. "Wathiche oko". Just like OMO if you know what I mean.

Okoth Leakey SOLA Dar Es Salaam