The Jevanjee Gardens ‘legislators ’

By Alex Kiprotich

For many years, Jevanjee Gardens has been the place to be when one wants to relax and or listen to preachers as they compete to "save lost souls".

In recent times, a group of mostly young Kenyans have found the ground more than a place to while away time.

Here, Bunge la Mwanachi —mainly jobseekers — meet daily to discuss topical social and political issues.

Wambugu Mwai

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And it seems once one gets hooked they can’t help going for the debates, as Mwai attested.

After attending a job interview in 2004, Mwai relaxed on one of the concrete benches in the garden. Before long he was attracted by a group that was discussing how people in Pokot were dying of starvation despite the Agriculture Minister insisting the Government had enough maize stocks in its reserves.

"Though I could see they were not as educated as I was, I was impressed by the debate," he says. Though he did not contribute because he had not read the newspaper that day, he came back the following day. That marked a start of what has become a daily routine.

Mwai says members first go to news stands to read newspapers then proceed to the garden to share their views with other debaters.

Mwai, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Maths) degree from the University of Nairobi in 1998, has been frequenting the gardens and is relied upon on analysing international issues.

"At least I have the advantage of Internet and whenever there is something interesting in politics, social matters and advancements in technology, I share with people who come here," he said.

He says the discussion that generated the most heat is the place of gay marriages in the society.

"Most discussions drift to social issues though politics also generate heated discussions," he says.

Mr John Kihara, who works at Visa Place, says he visits the garden at least thrice a week.

Well informed

Kihara says at the end of the day people get enlightened and go back home more knowledgeable without having to buy newspapers.

Jacob Odipo Photos: Martin Mukangu/Standard

"This is one place you will find the most informed people. I bet those who come here daily are more informed than those in offices," he says

He says besides being informative, the discussions are therapeutic.

"People with stress find the debates lively and forget their worries. You will see a man come here with something weighing him down but after engaging in heated discussions he brightens up," says Kihara, who has been visiting the park since 1997.

Mr Vincent Kidaha, who hails from Sabatia and formerly worked with World Vision Kenya, says there is something unique about the people visiting the garden.

Kidaha says it is at the garden that he learnt about the world’s tallest building — Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

"Some of us would be ignorant about what goes on in the world were it not for these meetings," he says.

He says people in desperate situations go home encouraged.

Ms Mary Ouma, though not an active participant, says she enjoys the debates.

"I always wonder why these people are not employed. They are well-informed and I think we are locking the best brains out of employment," she says.

Mr Jacob Odipo says sessions provide a platform for Kenyans to resist oppression, fight for social justice and demand responsive and accountable leadership.

He says the debates are unpredictable and lively compared to those in Parliament.

"Here people debate issues that affect the common man with honesty, unlike our MPs who have vested interests," he says.