KAIKAI'S KICKER: Reflections on Uhuru Talks at Lancaster House

On my Kicker, Friday is Jamhuri Day, Independence Day! So, hearty congratulations and happy Jamhuri Day, fellow Kenyans!

Friday marks 62 years since we gained our independence from Britain, a milestone recorded at midnight on December 12, 1963. We are officially 62 years old as an independent nation; two years older than Singapore, another former British colony that lately fires up our imaginations.

Now, anniversaries are moments of reflection, and I guess a national reflection is appropriate as we celebrate 62 years of independence. First, we must celebrate all the freedom fighters who made Jamhuri possible. Kudos to the founding fathers and mothers who put their foot down at the Lancaster House pre-independence talks. In an era where war and diplomacy meant the same thing, an incredible team of Kenyan leaders debated and bargained in London for the birth of a free Kenya.

In total, there were three pre-independence conferences at the Lancaster House between 1960 and 1963. Other than fighting for independence at the negotiating table, Lancaster House showcased an array of Kenyan political talent of the kind our subsequent history rarely recorded. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was the leader of the KANU delegation in the last two conferences of 1962 and 1963 and brought with him the authority and resilience born of years of detention in colonial cells.

The young Tom Mboya was KANU’s chief negotiator; he was sharp, articulate and highly intelligent, later earning himself the nickname Sungura Mjanja, the cunning hare.

Across the table sat Ronald Ngala, the leader of the KADU delegation. He was a champion of minorities who argued fiercely but with civility for federalism or majimboism. He was flanked by able lieutenants in Justus Ole Tipis from Narok, Wafula Wabuge from Western and Ngala Mwendwa from Ukambani.

In the Lancaster talks, Pricillah Ingasiani Abwao from Kakamega stormed the male-dominated political environment, attending the talks as a women’s representative, championing social inclusion and political representation of women.

Lancaster House was serious business. The talks were tough. From political power to land rights, negotiations were tough and draining. The KANU and KADU parties did not see eye to eye, especially on the structure of governance, as KANU wanted a strong central government in Nairobi while KADU wanted autonomous regional governments, maybe a stronger version of the county governments we have today.

KANU and KADU were bitter rivals but kept their collective sights on the big picture – independence. They also understood and rose to the occasion when it became clear that independence was not just going to be fought for in the bush; it was going to be negotiated and argued for.

Tonight, I reflect on Lancaster House conferences because of the lessons they left, even if rarely learnt.

First, the Lancaster House conferences demonstrated that leadership matters. There was something about the quality of each of those delegates... don’t you think? Secondly, the independence talks showcased strength in diversity and thirdly, Lancaster House teaches us that even freedom must be demanded and defended.

So, as we celebrate 62 years of independence, let us be reminded that independence is not a one-off calendar event; it is a journey and a full-time responsibility passed from one generation to another.

And by the way, how would we perform if those Lancaster House independence talks were held today? Inbox your comments and include your parties, coalitions and list of delegates to London! Happy Jamhuri! That’s my kicker.