Ruth First, the iron lady who lit Africa's liberation flame

Ruth First was an icon and historical political figure in South Africa. A famous anti-apartheid activist, her name rings a bell in Kenya because of her leftist ideologies, which were popular with famous Kenyans like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Pio Gama Pinto, and Bildad Kaggia. She also had a strong association with leaders in frontline states like Julius Nyerere, Eduardo Mondlane, Samora Machel, Kenneth Kaunda, and Nelson Mandela.

Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique were her obvious destinations during the fight against apartheid. Her association with Kenya was established through Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and it is perceived she was one of Jaramogi's special team of advisors and that is why Jaramogi even named his daughter Ruth, after Ruth First.