Second Liberation by Koigi wa Wamwere
Source: K24TV
My dreadlocks were protected by the court - Koigi wa Wamwere
Koigi wa Wamwere is Kenya’s second longest serving political detainee, having spent 13 years in the slammer fighting for liberty. He is also one of the heroes of our Second Liberation. The rebel who fearlessly fought governments spoke to JAMES MWANGI
How did the idea of sporting dreadlocks came about and if Moi was still in power, would you still be having them?
When they detained us, we were denied combs, neither were we shaved. The plan was to make us look like terrorists. But later, they realised my dreadlocks were gaining attention when my photo was made public and they decided to shave me. I however refused and successfully moved to court to stop. My dreadlocks had a court injunction, thus nobody could have dared to shave me.
Photo : Koigi wa Wamwere is Kenya’s second longest serving political detainee
At what point did you feel you were about to die?
During the treason trial, I realised the government was increasingly becoming hostile. At Nyayo House, torture was intense and I knew I was staring at death. I was scared. I was chained on a hospital bed with about 10 prison wardens guarding me, yet I was extremely weak.
Why did you choose to seek asylum in Norway?
It was the idea of the Ugandan government. They felt I was not safe there and advised that I should relocate to Norway. I did not have any choice but to agree.
Source: My dreadlocks were protected by the court - Koigi wa Wamwere
Source: K24TV
My dreadlocks were protected by the court - Koigi wa Wamwere
Koigi wa Wamwere is Kenya’s second longest serving political detainee, having spent 13 years in the slammer fighting for liberty. He is also one of the heroes of our Second Liberation. The rebel who fearlessly fought governments spoke to JAMES MWANGI
How did the idea of sporting dreadlocks came about and if Moi was still in power, would you still be having them?
When they detained us, we were denied combs, neither were we shaved. The plan was to make us look like terrorists. But later, they realised my dreadlocks were gaining attention when my photo was made public and they decided to shave me. I however refused and successfully moved to court to stop. My dreadlocks had a court injunction, thus nobody could have dared to shave me.
Photo : Koigi wa Wamwere is Kenya’s second longest serving political detainee
At what point did you feel you were about to die?
During the treason trial, I realised the government was increasingly becoming hostile. At Nyayo House, torture was intense and I knew I was staring at death. I was scared. I was chained on a hospital bed with about 10 prison wardens guarding me, yet I was extremely weak.
Why did you choose to seek asylum in Norway?
It was the idea of the Ugandan government. They felt I was not safe there and advised that I should relocate to Norway. I did not have any choice but to agree.
Source: My dreadlocks were protected by the court - Koigi wa Wamwere
