about unga revolution

Evolution of the Unga Revolution

The idea of Unga Revolution can be traced back to the year 2006 when the prices of basic commodities went up drastically becoming out of reach to many Kenyans. Members of BLM and other likeminded groups came together and carried out a campaign called Unga for 30/= campaign. The campaign was dubbed Unga for 30/= because just three years earlier when NARC government took power, the price of 2kg of maize flour had risen from 27/= when KANU government left to around 45/=.
Members were calling for the price to go to its original value. However during this period the campaign was carried out using signed petitions to the relevant authorities but unfortunately none of the petitions was acted upon as this was an election period and Kenya having come out of a divisive referendum our calls was submerged by politicians who were interested with power.

In 2008 May 31st a demo was organized by BLM, Huruma Social forum and other community based organizations across Nairobi to protest the high prices of basic commodities. During this demo, comrade Gacheke Gachihi and the late Jacob Odipo were arrested and detained unlawfully for three days. On Madaraka Day 1st June 2008 comrade Fredrick Odhiambo was assaulted and arrested by the Presidential guards as he tried to alert the President on the plight of the arrested and that of majority of Kenyans who could not afford the rising cost of living. Comrade Odhiambo was seriously injured and admitted at Nairobi Women Hospital.

As a result of these actions by brave Kenyans the government during the 2008 budget announced the introduction of a 5KG Unga which was going at 120/= to target the poor especially those who live in slums. This was a welcome move but in a while the Unga disappeared. Just like in 2006 continued pressure from Kenyans protesting the high cost of living were submerged by the wrangling in the coalition government and the 2010 referendum.

When the news of popular uprisings in North Africa and Arab world started trickling in early 2011, members regrouped and thought of reviving the Unga for 30/= campaign. This was particularly spurred by the fact that those uprisings were triggered by high cost of food and basic commodities. With successful revolution in Tunisia and Egypt some members of Unga for 30 campaign and new converts regrouped and thought of a daily action where members would be making noise every day at 1PM as a sign of raising the plight of the suffering majority.
But as a coincidence a group Kenya Feb 28th organized the singing of National Anthem at 1PM at across the country on Feb 28th 2011. The main event was at KENCOM bus stage. Members joined and sang with the organizers. As all this were going on, members of the Unga for 30/= campaign were reorganizing themselves and reflecting on their past struggles and how to come up with a sustainable movement owned by Kenyans but fighting to ensure that the basic rights of the common Mwananchi are taken care of.
On Feb 19th Consumers federation of Kenya (COFEK) organized a nationwide protest against high fuel prices. The members participated and still this offered them with an opportunity to learn more about how to sustain such a process. On 20th April 2011 members of Unga for 30/= met and resolved to change the group’s name from Unga for 30/= to Unga Revolution. This is because the 30/= tag was specific to the time and the current campaign was not per see based on the price of commodities but Article 43 of the constitution. The name was chosen due to the nature of the struggle. Members deemed it fit to come up with an outfit which is different and with a clear message. The choice of the name did not however come without reservation as some felt the name Revolution was too radical hence could attract the wrath of the state. However the majority were for the Revolution hence it was adopted.

The Unga Revolution is a self motivated and non-violent movement of the people of Kenya aimed at realizing all the Economic and Social rights as enshrined in the Article 43 of the constitution of Kenya.

With the name ready members resolved to roll out and set May 31st 2011 as a day for our first activity. The day was chosen because it was the third anniversary since the first demo on 31st May 2011. There were a series of sub activities including a parallel Labor Day organized on 1st May 2011 at Kamukunji grounds. Other sub activities included a rally in Mathare on 8th May 2011 which aborted due to police interference. Other rallies were held in Kibera’s Kamukunji, Kangemi, Huruma, Kiamaiko, Ngei 1 and 2, Mukuru and Kawangware areas. These rallies culminated to the Unga 30 BOB rally held on 31st May 2011 at Harambee Avenue where Kenyans were to keep vigil until the President and the PM gives a clear roadmap for full implementation of Article 43 of the Constitution.

The PM showed up after about six hours wait and received the grievances from the people. He asked members to wait for the budget speech but Kenyans could hear none of it. The PM then left.

The rally was violently disrupted by the police under the cover of darkness and several comrades including comrade Gacheke, Mulialia, Rahma and Rotich were injured. Others were arbitrarily detained beyond 24 hours required by law.

On 1st June 2011, Unga Revolution members attended the Madaraka day celebrations at Nyayo stadium during which the President and the PM reiterated their calls to Kenyans to wait for the Budget to be read on 8th June 2011.

On 8th June 2011 members kept vigil outside parliament and peacefully protested the Budget and promised to prepare a Mwananchi’s Budget which shall be presented to the Budget committee and to the public.
The Unga Revolution has set 7th July 2011 (Saba Saba) as a rally date and there shall be mini rallies across Nairobi to mobilize for the main one. Meanwhile members shall be singing the national anthem daily at 1 PM at Harambee Avenue and other places across the country.

ABOUT THE UNGA REVOLUTION

The Unga Revolution is a self motivated and non-violent movement of the people of Kenya aimed at realizing all the Economic and Social Rights as enshrined in the Article 43 of the constitution of Kenya. It is a common people's campaign whose main aim is to ensure that the state honors its obligations to the common Mwananchi as enshrined in the Article 43 of the constitution.

The struggle of the Unga Revolution is anchored in the constitution of Kenya through Article 43, Article 1, 2 & 3 and Articles 37.

Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya
Economic & Social Rights
43. 1. Every Person has the Right-
a) To the highest attainable standard of health which includes the right to health care services including reproductive health care
b) To accessible and adequate housing and to reasonable standards of sanitation
c) To be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality
d) To clean and safe water in adequate quantities
e) To social security and
f) To education
2. A Person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment
3. The state shall provide appropriate social security to persons who are
unable to support themselves and their dependants

The Unga Revolution Symbol, Colours and Slogan
Symbol
Unga

Slo¬gan
• Call- Unga? Response- 30 Bob X 2
• Call– Unga? Response– Unganisha WaKenya.

Colours
The national flag of Kenya

The Unga Revolution Vision

”Full implementation of Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya”

The vision of the Unga Revolution is anchored in the Article 43 of the Constitution. We believe that the whole constitution promulgated on 27th August 2010 is about the full attainment of the Article 43. It is the people’s biggest achievement in the fight for reforms in this country. For the first time the Right to Social Welfare is enshrined within the supreme law hence the state is obligated to fulfill it in its fullest.

The Unga Revolution Mission
“To pressurize the state and those in it through public awareness rallies, Assemblies, Processions, Demonstrations, Pickets and Public Education on the Constitution to fully implement the Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya”.

The Mission of Unga Revolution is anchored in the Article 37 of the Constitution which states that all citizens have a right to peaceably and unarmed to assemble, to picket, to demonstrate and to present petitions to those in authority. All the activities of the Unga Revolution shall be peaceful and non violent and we expect those in authorities to abide by the law.

Unga Revolution Strategic Objectives

1. A reduction of prices of ALL basic commodities.
2. Creation of a SUBSIDY FUND to support in the production of basic commodities.
3. Nationalization of the food and oil sector to protect Mwananchi from profiteers.
4. Building of silos & modern storage facilities in all productive areas and Diversifying food production by focusing on Range Lands and Livestock Production.
5. Recovery of all grabbed agriculturally productive lands in Kenya and expanding on the total acreage used on food production
6. An audit of ALL natural and mineral resources in Kenya, especially Lake Magadi and the Kwale titanium, and how their revenues are used.
7. Accessible education at all levels to all Kenyans who are willing to learn.
8. Creation of suitable jobs for all Kenyans and a welfare and social security program for those who are unable to access income legitimately.
9. Guaranteed accessible & quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.
10. The removal of all privileges and special protection to any section of society and a reduction in the differences of the salaries of all workers.
The Unga Revolution Short Term Strategic Objectives
1) To establish the total number of Kenyans who can’t afford the high cost of living by 31st July 2011
2) To push the government to release a program to provide Food Stamps to all those who can’t afford the high cost of food by 7th August 2011
3) To push the government to start a subsidy fund for Kenyan Farmers and other sectors of production by 31st August 2011
4) To push the government to release a program to provide accommodation and shelter to IDPs, Squatters, Slum dwellers and all other Kenyans without housing by 8th September 2011
5) To distribute 20 million copies of pocket size constitutions in all the counties of Kenya by 31st August 2011
6) To carry out continuous constitutional, civic and political education in all the counties of Kenya with a specific aim of mobilizing Kenyans to push for the full implementation of Article 43 of the constitution
7) To organize continual and occasional public demonstrations, sit ins, seminars, workshops, processions, rallies, assemblies to enable the people fulfill their constitutional obligation as per Article 1 & 3 of the constitution

Unga Revolution Code of Conduct
These are the Unga Revolution code of conduct and they shall bind all members and any member who contravenes any of them shall be appropriately reprimanded.

1. I shall at all times and everywhere bear true allegiance to the Unga Revolution Code of conduct and project a positive image of the Revolution, its policies and ideology
2. I shall always in words; deeds and actions defend the constitution of Kenya, Flag and national values
3. I shall always push for the full implementation of the constitution of Kenya especially the Article 43 of the constitution
4. I shall strive to educate myself, my family, my friends and other Kenyans about the Unga Revolution ideas and values
5. I shall work hard at all times to disseminate progressive Unga Revolution ideas in Kenya
6. I shall everywhere and at all times in words and deeds identify with the course of liberation of the marginalized, the exploited and the oppressed people and I shall participate in all just struggle
7. I shall not participate, advocate or tolerate tribalism, racism, sexism, nepotism, cronyism, xenophobia, or any other form of discrimination against other people
8. I shall always and tirelessly fight against corruption, sleaze and all its manifestation and I shall be a guardian of justice and I shall be a custodian of public property and I shall be a living example of patriotism and morality
9. I shall not deceive the people with false promises, populism, and cheap propaganda or buy their support with money
10. I shall tell the truth to my comrades even when it is uncomfortable to do so, I shall tolerate being constructively criticized by other comrades and I shall not publicly quarrel with a comrade
11. I shall not falsely accuse or bear false witness against a comrade or other persons and I shall be the paragon of the truth and honesty
12. I shall promote the spirit of mutual respect, tolerance, friendship and comradeship with my comrades and shall not conduct myself in a manner inimical to the unity and progress of the collective leadership of the Unga Revolution
13. I shall be bound by the Unga Revolution code of conduct, organs and democratic ideas and I shall be bound by collective discipline and responsibility
14. I shall carry out the Unga Revolution assignments efficiently and in a transparent and accountable manner
15. I shall not reveal secrets of the Unga Revolution to non members and I shall not talk to media about internal affairs of the Unga Revolution
16. I shall avoid any conduct at public, social and personal level which is likely to put the Unga Revolution into public odium and disrepute, embarrass or compromise the Unga Revolution ideology, image, vision, mission, objectives, organs and the Unga Revolution members

I ______________________________​______________ of P.O. Box ______________________
Mobile _________________________ Email ______________________________​__________
Hereby commit myself to this Unga Revolution Code of Conduct.
Signature __________ Date _____________ Place ____________ Membership No. _______

Confirmed by:
______________________________​___________ Signature __________ Date ____________


Unga Revolution leadership structure
The leadership structure of the Unga Revolution is in form of standing committees namely:
1. Coordination and Communication Committee
2. Legal and Constitution Committee
3. Political and Resource Mobilization Committee
4. Security and Welfare Committee
Each of these committees has a convener, a deputy convener and members. The conveners of each committee are the Co-Conveners of the Unga Revolution.

Unga Revolution Central Committee
1. The Unga Revolution Central Committee is the top most decision making organ and shall ratify all reports from the standing committees, policies, programs and plans
2. All members of the Unga Revolution form the Unga Revolution Central Committee.
3. During the Unga Revolution Central Committee meetings, any member appointed by the members present can be the chair.

The leadership structure of Unga Revolution
Coordination & Communication Committee
1. Otieno Cidi ----------------------------- Convener
2. Francis Sakwa -------------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Khakasa Marakalu -------------------- Member
4. Nelson Munyuauki -------------------- Member
5. David Ndungu -------------------------- Member

Security & Welfare Committee
1. Vincent Kidaha Madegwa ------------- Convener
2. Florence Kanyua ------------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Erick Omenya ---------------------------- Member
4. James Nyakundi ------------------------- Member
5. Gibson Mukoma ------------------------- Member
6. Allan Okoth ------------------------------​- Member

Legal & Constituion Committee
1. Gacheke Gachihi ------------------------- Convener
2. Abdala Salim ----------------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Kimani Humphrey ---------------------- Member

Political & Resource Mobilization
1. Kenneth Kirimi --------------------------- Convener
2. Emily Kwamboka ----------------------- Deputy Convener
3. Nicholas Bundusi ----------------------- Member
4. Festus Kaloki ---------------------------- Member
5. Muigai Kamau ------------------------- Member
6. Joseph Gitonga ------------------------ Member
7. Sikwattah Lupao --------------------- Member

The Kenya national flag and videos

Anticorruption activists Jogoo House Sit-in song      The  may 31 Unga Revolution  rally

wht unga stand for

kenyan flag

SABA SABA RALLY

Ten people were on Thursday arrested as protests against the high cost of living and graft at the Ministry of Education turned chaotic.

And police were forced to lob several teargas canisters to disperse the group of Unga Revolution campaigners who are pressing for a reduction in the cost of flour as well as the sacking of Education minister Prof Sam Ongeri.

The Ministry of Education has of late been on the spotlight over the loss of Sh4.2 billion meant for the Free Primary Education kitty.

The group, which was later on joined by a number of university students, had initially gathered at the Kencom bus terminus, where they in turns, vented their anger at the government failure to reduce the price of flour.

'We are pained by the high cost of flour and we shall not keep quiet about it,” said

Consumers have been paying between Sh130 and Sh140 for a 2kg packet of maize flour, up from Sh75 at the beginning of the year but according to them, this should further be reduced to Sh30.

It is then that they decided to hold a procession along the city streets to Harambee Avenue – where the offices of President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are situated to demand answers on what the government is doing to arrest the situation.

They had also planned to visit Parliament.

However, on reaching the junction that joins Moi and Harambee Avenues – they encountered a group of law enforcement officers - both from the Regular Police and General Service Unit - who declined to let them proceed.

The law enforcers, some of whom had fierce police dogs in tow, had arrived at the venue in three lorry loads.

It is here that the protestors demanded to be let through, with the law enforcement officers, who were very much restrained, standing their ground that they will not pass.

Amid chants, the placard waving protestors refused to abandon their mission.

At this time, a huge group of curious onlookers had gathered to check what was happening.

Traffic along the busy roads was also paralysed.

Suddenly, the officers swung into action, volleying several teargas canisters that sent both the protestors and onlookers scampering for safety.
view video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY9S9JtEkX8

sab saba program

UNGA REVOLUTION SABA SABA 2011 PROGRAM AT UNGA AVENUE FORMER HARAMBEE AVENUE

TIME	VENUE	ACTIVITY
8am -9am	Within the community i.e mathare, huruma, mukuru,kibera,kangemi, kayole,kamkunji, karioko ,ziwani,dandora,zimaman,rongai,mwiki etc.	Kenya gathering and start walking toward town,
11:30am	Town [kencom bus terminal].	Kenyans from different part of the city gather , assemble and proceed to Harambee avenue via joogoo house chanting slogans
1pm-2pm		Singing of national anthem and wimbo wa mapambano,
2pm-3pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue	Taking of oath using the constitution ,to defend  the constitution  and  fight for its  full implementation.
3pm-4pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	1.Drawing of Kenyan map and highlighting the price of unga  in 210 constituency tagging using plates.. 2.Reading the unga revolution  Petition demand, as a reminder to the two principals.
4pm-6pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	1.Speeches from community members songs and poems…History of the struggle in Kenya. 2. Speeches from  saba saba heroes and Social activist from community.
6pm-6:30pm	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	Lighting of the 21 candles  in honoring the 21 saba saba  youth who died in  Saba Saba rallies .
7pm-	“ unga avenue” former harambee avenue.	Way forward and wimbo wa mapambano.

Slogan

UNGA    --------- 30 BOB!!!!

 UNGA    --------- 30 BOB!!!

UNGA    --------- UNGANISHA WAKENYA,

NO UNGA !!! NO PARLIAMENT!!!!

MEDIA INVITATION

UNGA REVOLUTION

                  ungarevolution@yahoo.com             Facebook: Ungarevolution Kenya. Twitter: #ungarevolution                            CONTACT: 0702655596

Date: 28^th June 2011

To: ALL MEDIA HOUSES

       

SUBJECT: SABA SABA DAY  

The Unga Revolution is a self motivated and non-violent movement of the people of Kenya aimed at realizing all the rights and privileges as enshrined in the constitution of Kenya.

Currently the Unga Revolution is focusing on the Article 43 of the constitution ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RIGHTS-which state that all citizens have a right to Food, Housing, Healthcare, Education, Employment and Social Security. On 31^st May 2011 the Unga Revolution organized an assembly along Harambee Avenue between the office of the President and the PM with an aim of highlighting the escalating prices of basic commodities especially food stuffs. The Principals in their address to the assembly promised that the issues raised by the Unga Revolution especially the price of basic commodities shall be addressed in the budget statement.

The Unga Revolution has earmarked 7^th July 2011 (Saba Saba day) as a day of remembering the social struggle that the Young Turks and other progressive forces endured to create room for constitutional Review and opening up of democratic space to organize. It is also in memory of 14 Youth who died during Saba Saba Nane Nane and Tisa Tisa Rallies dubbed no reform no elections organized by NCEC in 1997 which gave the momentum for constitutional reforms in Kenya. It will also be a reminder that the Implementation of Article 43 of the constitution should be treated as a matter of urgency. You are invited to attend the Saba Saba Day Commemorations outside Harambee Avenue at 1:00PM.

Meanwhile as part of Saba Saba Day rally we have organized a ceremony to Honor Saba Saba Heroes at the same venue. Unga Revolution shall reward them with presents hence this personal invitation to your media house to cover the event.  

CC.

·         Raila Odinga

·         Dr. Willy Mutunga

·         Paul Muite

·         Martin Shikuku

·         Keneth Matiba

·         Charles Rubia

·         Timothy Njoya

·         Koigi Wamwere

·         Gitobu Imanyara

·         James Orengo

·         Davinder Lamba

·         Wangari Maathai

·         Martha Karua

·         Mukisa Kituyi

·         Njeri Kabeberi

·         Kiraitu Murungi

Kenyans demand a stop to GMO Food Imports
Press Release

1^st July 2011; Nairobi, Kenya

Kenyans, demand a stop to GMOs:

We demand the recognition of organic agriculture and other agro-ecological farming practices in Kenya’s agriculture policies and practices.

The developers of GMOs have exerted great pressure to ensure that our recently enacted Biosafety Act of 2009 serves the interests of foreign Agribusiness, rather than farmers and consumers. The introduction of patented seeds and related chemicals into our farming systems threatens our agricultural practices, our livelihoods, the environment, and undermines our seed sovereignty. We believe that we can feed our communities and this country with organic and agroecological farming practices that do not destroy, pollute and contaminate food, land and seeds. Our ability to feed Africa through agro-ecological practices is recognised and supported by UN reports, the IAASTD report and many research findings. We call upon the government to support small scale farmers in having access to water and capacity building in agro-ecology and for this to be enshrined in our Kenyan policies.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence to show that GMOs can cause serious damage to health, environment, food production and livelihoods. For example, animal feeding trials have shown damage to liver, kidney and pancreas, effects on fertility and stomach bleeding. A most recent study carried out on pregnant women in Canada found genetically modified insecticidal proteins in their blood streams and in that of their foetus. The developers of GMOs have always claimed that this is impossible; they have stated that these proteins are broken down in the digestive process and will not be found in the body. This recent finding is sending shock waves around the medical and scientific community.

Some of the problematic environmental consequences of GMOs include the development of insect resistance to the pesticides engineered into crops as well as the emergence of new and secondary pests destroying farmers’ crops forcing them to buy and use highly toxic pesticides. Further, the development of herbicide tolerant weeds are choking farmer’s fields. These weeds can no longer be controlled by modern herbicides, forcing farmers to spray high doses of older more toxic chemicals in an effort to control them. This has disastrous consequences for environmental and human health.

We do not believe that top-down technological solutions will solve the many challenges that Kenyan farmers face. This one-size-fits all solution cannot attend to our varied needs. Instead, we call for collaboration between farmers, scientists and government to ensure that we produce healthy and plentiful food. This “solutions centred” approach and farmer -scientist cooperation has in the past resulted in such innovations like the Katumani breed of maize for drier areas of Kenya and an improvement in food production systems and increased yields in a sustainable way. Everything that genetic engineering is claimed to offer can readily be achieved through safer methods such as non-GM breeding, intercropping and creative innovation. Our public research institutions must shift their focus back to farmers needs rather than support the agenda of agribusiness, which is to colonise our food and seed chain. We believe that the patenting of seed is deeply unethical and dangerous; it undermines farmers’ rights to save seeds and will make us wholly dependent on corporations in the future.

Farmers of Kenya believe that hunger is not caused by under-production of food, but because people have no money to buy food. Thus it cannot be said that GMOs are the solution to poverty and hunger. Article 43 of the Kenya Constitution affirms that Every Person has a Right to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality (Not GMOs!)

We demand that the Kenyan government recognizes the importance of agroecological practices as the primary farming practice in the country by enacting concrete legislation on it and allocating an annual budget for capacity building of small farmers who want to practice agroecological practices.

Further, we demand that the government, through a concrete policy statement, protects the integrity of agroecological practices and farmer saved seed varieties by banning the introduction of GMOs into the Kenya.

Contact: 

Anne Maina

Advocacy Coordinator

African Biodiversity Network (ABN)

Tel: +254 722 386 263

Email: anne@africanbiodiversity.org

Gacheke Gachihi

Social Justice Activist

Bunge La Mwananchi Social Movement

Tel: +254 720 318 049

Email: ggacheke@gmail.com

Cidi Otieno

Convener,

UNGA Revolution

Tel: +254 721 609 699

Email: ungarevolution@gmail.com