This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
Charles Rubia, a hero of the second liberation, has left an indelible mark on Kenya's history. His funeral in Murang'a County, Kenya, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices he made for the country's democracy.
President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogized Rubia, saying that if Kenyans could emulate him just a little bit, Kenya would be a different place. Rubia's legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to democracy and his willingness to challenge the government, even when it meant prison or death.
As a leader, Rubia was humble and approachable, a far cry from the hubris and ostentatious displays of today's politicians. He was a true patriot, seeing beyond the myopia of tribal lenses and working tirelessly to promote democracy and human rights.
The struggle for the second liberation was a defining moment in Kenya's history, and Rubia's role in it was instrumental. He, along with other heroes like Kenneth Matiba and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, risked everything to bring about a new dawn of freedom and prosperity.
However, what followed was a heart-wrenching and tragic betrayal. The leaders who took power abandoned the nationalist vision of equity and justice, and instead, accumulated personal wealth became a virtue. Rubia and others like him questioned this mad rush to accumulate wealth, but their voices were silenced.
Today, we enjoy the freedom that Rubia and others fought for, but we often forget the sacrifices they made. We cheer politicians who urge us to forget history and focus on their ambitions, rather than demanding that they be of the highest personal integrity.
As Tee Ngugi, a Nairobi-based political commentator, notes, 'How many of today's leaders would be ready to sacrifice everything to achieve a public good? How many of us common people would be willing to cease cheering buffoonery and tribal demagoguery and demand that politicians be of the highest personal integrity?'
