Michael Mundia Kamau                                                                                                            P.O. Box 17510 00500 Enterprise Road                                                                                   Nairobi                                                                                                                                     20th January 2002 

Dear Sir I read with great interest your timely 8th year commemorative feature on the passing away of legendary Kenyan leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga It was particularly gratifying to note the efforts that have been taken to preserve the rich Dhuluo heritage alongside Jaramogi's illustrious legacy. Key in this regard are the inclusion of key Dhuluo legendary figures such as Gor Mahia and Luanda Magere in Jaramogi's museum.

Importantly not forgotten also, are the standard uniform/colours of the Kenya People's Union (KPU), Jaramogi's brainchild. It is pointed out in your feature that Jaramogi's key speeches both locally and abroad are preserved on video cassettes, and this is certainly a point of public interest, as I am one amongst several who would want to purchase a copy of the same. A number of years back I disappointingly tried to purchase a copy of "End of Empire" a feature on Kenya's road to independence from Granada Television of the UK, and abandoned the undertaking realising it would cost me the equivalent of about 15,000 Kenya Shillings to obtain the video cassette, in addition to several other displeasing conditions ! Our own heritage should not cost that much to obatain and I trust that Jaramogi's family has factored this in.

This country owes Jaramogi Oginga Odinga alot for his role in the struggle for independence and a just society. This came at a high cost as pointed out in your feature. For us to turn back our backs on this country's hereos, is to turn our backs on ourselves. If Jaramogi is nothing, then so are we. One of his widows Betty, correctly points out that Jaramogi was in a class of his own. Over the last nine years I have had occasion to view some of Jaramogi's key speeches, courtesy of the Kenya National Archives. What emerges amongst other things, is a brillliant eloquent orator with powerful delivery, focus and substance in his stand.

That Jaramogi was ahead of his time is not in dispute. That Jaramogi's famous clash with Mzee Kenyatta in 1969 was key in regulating the excesses of the regime then, is also not in dispute. Every effort must be taken to preserve the legacy of Jaramogi and all our other founding fathers. If we abandon this undertaking, then we abandon ourselves, and must face the consequences. Tom Mboya's mausoleum is in disarray and this truly regrettable considering his equally huge contribution to this country's history. Indeed, the same would have applied to Mzee Kenyatta's and Jaramogi's mausoleums respectively, were it not for their wealthy and powerful families. It is crucial that we give consideration to these neglected facets of our heritage. Yours faithfully, Michael Mundia Kamau