Lesson from Steve Biko still relevant to those in power

Story by MILDRED NGESA

Publication Date: 12/17/2007

The slapping of Mr Francis Musyimi by First Lady Lucy Kibaki was shocking. Even more shocking was the subsequent harassment of photo-journalists by State security agents who erased the photographs of the incident from their digital cameras.

But the incident brought to mind South Africa’s legendary activist Steve Biko.

I thought of Biko’s captivating and thought-provoking book, I write what I like. These amazing wonderful thoughts flowed from the maverick, youthful freedom fighter when he was behind bars — when the white oppressors thought they had clipped his wings and brought his ambitions for liberation to a halt. They thought the end had come for Biko when they handcuffed him, beat him and threw him into a dark cell.

But it is in I write what I like that the defiance and victory over an oppressor shines. Despite his tribulations, Biko’s mind remained intact. His body could have been chained but his thoughts were not — they never will be.

There were scores of people at the awards ceremony at State House on Jamhuri Day who witnessed what happened. The incident is imprinted in their minds. They may not need camera lenses to prove it.

Stripped of symbol

The journalists who were stripped-of their symbols of trade also bore witness. Behind their camera lenses were their eyes and minds. Nobody can erase this truth from their minds. They can draw countless illustrations. It is therefore pointless to try to muzzle a free press by erasing the images from their cameras.

The most vital tool is the mind. And that cannot be ripped apart like a roll of film or a piece of memory stick.

If in doubt, ask Steve Biko.