Unsung heroes: Gitobu Imanyara

Yesterday I visited Gitobu Imanyara to find some wisdom on what it takes to be a prisoner of conscience – to be imprisoned for what you believe is right – or be ready to. The black/white picture of him in the sweater became iconic with his arrests in the 90s. Why? Because it was the warmest gift that his wife could give him as he walked out of the house for the 80 or so times he was arrested by the regime.

After listening to his story, we gave him a hoodie of appreciation. Then it struck me, that the stories of the icons of 80/90s movement of liberation are untold – and our post 2000 generation has no recollection at all.

Many of them, including Khaminwa are approaching their retirement days feeling dissapointed with how this country is run – the lack of integrity, entrenched corruption, tribalism and many more ills that have become normalized, including the tweaking of Covid19 funds – yet they almost lost their lives fighting for the constitutional gains that we enjoy today.

To the film makers in Kenya, I have a challenge for you. Please consider making films of these icons, so we can use them to educate our generation. #AfroLiberation