People
Koigi Wa Wamwere
Koigi wa Wamwere is a Nakuru-born political reformist, author and human rights activist. His experiences growing up in Rugongo Forest and witnessing the inequalities of colonial and post-independence Kenya shaped his commitment to political freedom and social justice. He served as MP for Nakuru North and later Subukia, but spent significant periods in detention and exile because of his political activities. He later returned to Parliament, wrote extensively on freedom, ethnicity and racism, established Sauti ya Mwananchi radio, and continued to participate in public life. His long association with Nakuru is reflected in the road named in his honour in 2019.
Koigi wa Wamwere is a Kenyan politician, author and human rights activist whose life and political career are closely connected to Nakuru. Born in Rugongo Forest in Dundori in 1949, he grew up in a forest community shaped by the colonial system and the Mau Mau struggle.
His experiences growing up in the forest, his education, and his encounters with injustice shaped his political outlook. After studying in Kenya and at Cornell University in the United States, he returned to Kenya in 1973, determined to campaign for greater democracy and social justice.
Koigi became a prominent opposition voice, serving as an MP for Nakuru North, later known as Subukia. His political activism led to repeated detention and periods of exile. He later returned to Parliament, continued his work as an author and broadcaster, and remained involved in public affairs.
Timeline
- 18th December 1949
Birth
Koigi wa Wamwere born at Rugongo Forest in Dundori, Nakuru
- 1960s - 1970s
Schooling
Attended the colonial-era primary school in the forest, Mother of Apostles Seminary and later Nyeri High School. He eventually decided against becoming a priest.
- 1970
University
Joined Cornell University in New York on scholarship. His experiences there strengthened his interest in challenging injustice and political inequality.
- 1973
Return to Kenya
Returned to Kenya and became increasingly involved in political activism and writing. He worked as a tutor and wrote about issues including working conditions and squatters.
- 1974
First Parliamentary Race
Contested the Subukia/Nakuru North parliamentary seat against Kihika Kimani but lost by more than 800 votes.
- 1975-03
Death of JM Kariuki
His political mentor, J. M. Kariuki, was assassinated.
- 1975-08
Detention
Detained by the government of Jomo Kenyatta. He remained in detention for about three and a half years.
- 1979
Elected MP
Elected MP for Nakuru North, defeating Kihika Kimani. He remained on the backbench rather than accepting a ministerial position.
- 1982
Second Detention
Lost his parliamentary seat after being detained following the attempted coup. He was held at Manyani until 1984.
- 1986
Exile
Went into exile, eventually settling in Norway, where he continued his political activities.
- 1989
Return to Kenya
Returned to Kenya but was arrested and charged with treason.
- 1992
Arrest
Was again arrested and charged with robbery with violence.
- 1994
Imprisoned
Sentenced to four years in prison.
- 1997
Presidential Contest
Contested the presidency on a Chama cha Mwananchi ticket, receiving about 60,000 votes.
- 2003
Re-elected
Returned to Parliament as MP for Subukia on a NARC ticket and was appointed Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Broadcasting. He subsequently established Sauti ya Mwananchi radio.
- 2003
Shaves Dreadlocks
Shaved his 13-year dreadlocks at Jomo Kenyatta High School, Nakuru, marking the end of the Moi era.
- 2017
Vies for Senate
Contested the Nakuru County Senate seat but lost to Susan Kihika.
- 2019-05
Honour
The County Government of Nakuru honoured him by naming a road after him.
- 2007-09
Radio Launch
Launches Sauti ya Mwananchi Radio
- 2006-09
Chama cha Mwananchi founded
He co-founded and registered Chama cha Mwananchi (CCM)
- 2007-03-02
Launch of CCM
CCM was officially launched on 2 March 2007 during a public rally at the Korogocho football field in Nairobi.
