Kofi Annan, the indomitable African who became the first black UN Secretary General, will never be forgotten in Kenya. To some – especially the so-called Ocampo Six – he will live in infamy. To others – especially victims of the near-genocidal election violence in 2008 – he will forever be the voice of the voiceless. It’s not surprising that victims and perpetrators would see the world differently.
But whatever side of the aisle you sat, you would’ve to be a complete ignoramus not to acknowledge Mr Annan’s towering legacy as a champion of democracy, human rights, and moral probity. Lucky for us, history isn’t always written by “victors” today. Annan gave Kenyan victims a voice, even if they didn’t receive justice.