MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

By Dun Kimaru

With the temperatures having cooled down I decided to read the Miguna’s book as an unbiased reader. Contrary to the media and critics, there is more to this book than just mere spread of hate. It is a series of eight books in one and it’s a pity how everyone concentrated on the last one ‘Peeling Back the Mask’. The title itself doesn't give this book the deserved justice. Because the truth is that it’s a lifelong story of African struggle with a personal touch but spoiled by its ending.

There are many controversies of leaders previously held in high esteem like Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Dr. Robert Ouko. Thus there is no denying that the writer comes across as self-righteous, accusing the rest of liberators as traitors. However it’s prudent that every student leader and aspirant read the first of this series: THE BEGINNINGS because it’s easy to relate to.

The book starts by explaining the challenges one had to undergo to get a good education. It goes on to illustrate the lack of development and progress long after our independence and the disillusionment of Kenyan people. I have always wondered why the compulsory NYS enrollment before joining public universities was scrapped off. In my ignorant and naïve mind I had assumed it was for a good cause. 

The writer explains that it was meant to disillusion and turn them into government sycophants. During the three months exercise the recruits were beaten, humiliated and starved. But instead of giving up, many hardened and this explains why in the 1980s we had such a fearless crop of student leaders. It is a far cry to what we have today.

The SONU of then and our very own MUSO have a lot in common. Sponsored projects and weaklings during elections is one such similarity. The fight for a new constitution is another and the frustrations while at it are things we can all identify with. But unlike today, there were honest and dedicated leaders then who were ready to sacrifice their lives and education for the sake of the common good. They would take time to inspect water and other amenities used by the student fraternity. Well, just the other week when we had to make do with brown water in the hostels ours were busy collecting revenue from the chips cafes and M-Pesa outlets.

The writer also asks a very interesting question: why do we assume that eloquent and good orators make good leaders? Each year a good speaker convinces us to part with our votes and then betrays our trust. Maybe it’s the high time we looked beyond the words. Let someone explain what he has done before giving us a whole hour lecture of what he will do. The book also goes on to explain what happens when leaders allow power to get into their heads. Attacking the administration blindly is suicidal as the writer and company came to painfully learn. It’s paramount that one be tactical, cautious and to get the facts right.

The book provides great inspiration to young, ambitious students. It’s important to note that this first book keeps clearly off the controversies associated with the rest of the series and is therefore acceptable to all, irrespective of political affiliations. The quote at the beginning is one to be engraved in each of our hearts. "I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole." - Malcolm X