What democracy means to me...

It's been over 17 years, but the memories of the riots and killings that broke out following a pro-democracy rally on 07/07/90 (later became known as "Saba Saba") are still very fresh in my mind...the overwhelming sense of fear, uncertainty, and frustration. Those were the days when people listened to the BBC with the volumes low, because being caught listening to the BBC was tantamount to being a traitor. You couldn't dare criticise the President or the government - the repercussions were harsh and most of Kenya's intelligentsia went into exile. But the activists perserved and slowly change came to Kenya, culminating in the historic 2002 elections when Kenyans finally said "No" to Moi and his appointed successor.

Today, I have free! I can write and say what I want about the government or the President without fear. I can work on projects that shine a spotlight on the performance of Kenyan politicians without a shred of concern about my safety. I have a plethora of newspapers, magazines,
radio stations, and TV stations where I can obtain information. Hell, I can surf the net freely. It's easy to take these freedoms for granted once you have them...the events in Myanmar have reminded me to appreciate them and to not take democracy for granted.