Tanzanian protesters shock many after being spotted carrying the late Kenyan former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s portrait during demonstrations.
Tanzanian protestors took to the streets carrying the sacred portrait of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga high above their heads, a symbol of resistance, courage, bravery and hope. As they marched and chanted for freedom, they invoked Rao’s spirit, the spirit of a man who stood tall against tyranny, who dared to dream of a just and liberated people.
Even the most interesting part of their protest was when they carried Raila’s effigy, they invoked the word “jowi”, “jowi”, “jowi”. “Jowi” is a Luo name for a buffalo. In Luo land, someone who’s strong and courageous has always been likened to buffalo. Recently, when Raila died, leaders from across the nation would chant the name “jowi” in their way of mourning the departed liberation hero.
From Nairobi to Dodoma to Dar es Salaam, from Bondo to Bongo, one truth echoes across borders: There is only one Baba, The People’s President, the eternal voice of liberation and revolution in Africa. Wataanzania wamechukua Baba wetu.
The underlying point is that the neighbouring country was sending a strong message to the powers that be that Raila’s stand against electoral injustices and despotism are things of the past, and should never be used by politicians to cling to power.
On Thursday, Tanzania held their first election since the passing on of former President John Pombe Magufuli, which paved the way for then his vice Samia Hassan Suluhu, to take over as the substantive President forthwith.
To this far, there have been widespread violation of human rights in Tanzania under the leadership of President Suluhu. She even went ahead to incarcerate all her potential opponents so that she’d have uncontested and bumpy-free ride back to state house.
