Mama Wambui: National ethno-feminist

In your struggle
you exposed traditional chauvinism
Seen through the mirror of self
In your struggle,
There was a sense of weaving a nation
A true nation of humanity and unity
Indeed from you I learnt not to mourn
As unity was bestowed in your heart
Uniting the smaller nations within us
Not ethnicity, much of it very negative

Your warrior spirit
Continues to inspire us far and wide,
Broadly, our weakness in issues was broadly exposed, suppressed
May the spirit of your work
Inspire nationalism in this state
Without a nation-Kenya
May the fruits of your sweat serve the young
Instill and inform
Rekindle the memories of our songs of freedom
Freedom that we all yearn for
You have left a legacy, mau mau legacy
To be respected and maintained
For us, the souls in treachery
Must have freedom

Mama Wambui, a title
They never wanted to bestow upon you
Me, I , the poet recognizes
Bestow it upon your soul.

Mama Wambui-a true revolutionary
I honour you and know that
It shall prevail in my generation
Mama, rest in peace
Rest among the greatest
Of African progressive souls
Thomas Sankara, Me Katilili
Muthoni Nyanjiro. Field Marshall Kimathi Waciuri
Gakere, Baimungi and others
I do not manage to mention
Your soul is within us
And you shall inspire through the seed you planted

Mama Wambui
A true heroine,
A true progressive soul
I shall commit myself and my other comrades
It shall prevail,
Once we find our freedom and unity in humanity

* Dennis Dancan Mosiere aka Grand Master Masese is a poet, actor, editor, writer and musician based in Nairobi, Kenya.
* Please send comments to editor[at]pambazuka[dot]org or comment online at Pambazuka News.