Tribute to Zarina Patel by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
You, sister Zarina Patel...You always marched step by step with all seekers of justice.
Zarina you have left us
To be with us always
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You were there when workers marched for adequate wages
You were there when peasants marched to defend their lands
You marched with all who march to demand adequate shelters
You marched with students rejecting education for sale and profit
Who demanded education for self-confidence and pride in us Kenyan people
You, sister Zarina Patel
You always marched step by step with all seekers of justice.
The late Zarina Patel.
Zarina, you remind me of Gama Pinto
Assassinated because he warned us against neo-colonialism
Zarina, you remind me of Makhan Singh
The Founding Genius of Trade Unionism in Kenya
The first Kenyan to be “deported” to Kapenguria
The late Zarina Patel is pictured with the late Mukami Kimathi, the wife of Dedan Kimathi.
Because in 1948 he said Kenyan people could govern themselves
Zarina, you remind me of Desai who in 1920 worked with Harry Thuku
Who became the link between Gandhi’s Indian Congress and Marcus Garvey’s movement
And that was why the British Killed Nyanjirũ Mũthoni na 150 Workers
And deported Harry Thuku to Kismayu
And then brainwashed him…
Thus breaking the link between Asia, Africa and Black America resistance…
Zarina let me stop there because I don’t want tears to flood my face
Because I know you would want us Not to Cry for your body departed
But to cry with all those fighting for justice
Marching with all the workers and peasants of Kenya, Africa, Asia and the world.
Zarina Patel your body has returned to the elements
Fire, light
You will always be the sun shining in all our struggles for Justice
Zarina you have left us
To be with us always
See the fire
See the light
Thank you Sister Zarina Patel
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