Mandela's memorable visit to Kabarak

By ALEX KIPROTICH AND MERCY KAHENDA

NAKURU, KENYA :The tranquillity in the quadrangle at Kabarak University mesmerises. With well-manicured lawns, well pruned trees planted in methodical arrangement, it is serene, quiet and offers peace of mind.

Many events are held inside the quadrangle shielded by imposing architectural designs from all sides.

When it is not a wedding taking place, it is an open lecture, a church service or students whiling away time in the serenity of the space.

Unbeknown to many, Mandela stood on the same grounds 23 years ago and gave an inspirational speech on peace, reconciliation and education. This was shortly after he was released from prison.

The Standard on Sunday traced alumnus of Moi High School Kabarak who were then students during the visit and benefitted from Mandela’s talk.

Orlando Lyomu says they were overjoyed when former President Daniel arap Moi, their school patron, announced Madiba’s visit.

“Whatever was happening in South Africa was being followed closely and especially by history students. Mandela was then a name most students knew and the prospect of meeting him was just unthinkable,” said Lyomu, who is now The Standard Media Group’s Finance Director.

“Here was a man we had been reading about in history books as being at the forefront fighting tirelessly for freedom and independence of South Africa visiting our school; it was such a momentous occasion,” adds Lyomu.

Kiptoo Kemei, then in Form Two, says when they were told of the visit, they were too anxious to even concentrate on their studies.

“Growing up in the 1980s we used to hear news about apartheid in South Africa and Nelson Mandela who had been in prison for over 20 years for challenging the regime. The only encounter with this courageous man was through movies depicting life in apartheid in the country and his ole and the ‘free mandela’ T-shirts,” Kemei says.

He adds that it was unbelievable. “Here he was in person, addressing us, taking pictures with us.” 

Kemei says they could not comprehend what prompted the world’s icon to visit the school with a unique, philosophical school motto – “On earth we rise”. Perhaps his star was rising as an anti-apartheid hero and connected easily with the ideals of Moi High School Kabarak.

Musa Kibelat, who was a Biology teacher during his visit, recalls how eager both students and teachers were as they waited to see and hear from Madiba.

“Immediately the former president informed the school principal Cherutich Langa’t that the world’s icon was to visit the school, teachers and students frequently visited the library reading history books to know more about Madiba,” says Kibelat. He says students competed for books that said anything about Mandela.

On his arrival, Kibelat says, he was accompanied by the former President Moi to the school, paid a courtesy call to the school’s office and later walked humbly to the quadrangle where he addressed teachers and students.

The hour

“It was around 10am when more than 600 students gathered here as they welcomed the man they had been hearing about in news, history books and documentaries,” recalls Kibelat, as he pointed to us where Mandela stood.

While everyone was seated quietly, the Biology teacher recalls the choir team took to the podium, entertained the guest and later sang South African National Anthem, which jolted a tall man who walked springly and smiled often into rising with a clenched fist.

“By then we had not known who the man was, but we suspected it was Mandela, but again, he did not look like someone who had spent 27 years in prison. We expected a frail man,” said Kibelat.

Paul Tuitoek, another alumnus who was then in Form Two, shared his former teacher’s sentiments.

“Majority of the staff and students kept on imagining and guessing who Madiba was, but when a man stood and raised his fist when the choir team begun singing the South African national anthem, we were almost sure it was him,” recalls Tuitoek.

Tuitoek says after the anthem, everyone clapped and cheered as they waited anxiously to hear a fiery speech.

“For a man who had faced racial discrimination and spent 27 years in jail, we knew he was going to give a fiery speech, we knew he was going to fire salvos and we were all anxious,” he says.  

But this was not to be. According to Tuitoek, Mandela’s speech centered on peace, love, unity and reconciliation bearing in mind his country was experiencing apartheid.

“It was surprising. We were wrong to think that his speech would be full of anger having been imprisoned for 27 years. I was surprised his main words touched on reconciliation,” he recalls.

“Madiba said: “Kenyans you are very lucky you have very conducive learning environment free from drugs, alcohol among other immoralities. Take advantage of this to improve and further your careers”,” he recalls Madiba’s speech.

Daniel Ruto, another student who was in Form Three then, says Mandela’s speech has been his source of inspiration that he has emulated in leadership and operation. “Immediately the assembly bell rang, I ran and occupied space at the front right corner of the quadrangle where I could keenly listen to Madiba’s speech,” says Ruto.

 Ruto reveals that Madiba’s speech was inspiring and that he talked of greater potential individuals have in bringing positive change in their lives, country and the world.

“Development in this country, Africa and the whole world requires big minds, hard work, determination and forgiveness,” he recalls Mandela as saying.

Kibelat says Mandela’s death should be celebrated as the man united all South Africans despite their colour, tribe and party affiliations that should be emulated by other leaders in Kenya, Africa and the world.