The Role of the Learned Class in African Independence Movements: A Case of Kenya and the Lost Voice of Modern Academia

In the struggle for African independence, the learned class was at the forefront of political agitation. This was especially evident in countries like Kenya, where figures such as Jomo Kenyatta, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and James Gichuru led the charge for freedom from colonial rule. These individuals were among the privileged few who had access to formal education, a tool they effectively wielded in their fight for independence. However, a striking comparison can be made between their generation and today’s intellectuals, who seem to have retreated into silence, passivity, or alignment with the very systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

The Role of Education in the Fight for Independence

Education, though limited and largely controlled by the colonial authorities, was one of the primary weapons that African nationalists used to challenge the colonial state. Jomo Kenyatta, who attended missionary schools before furthering his studies in England, used his exposure to European thought to question the colonial project. His seminal work, Facing Mount Kenya, challenged the misrepresentation of African culture and advocated for self-rule. Kenyatta’s education allowed him to engage with the colonial government in ways that resonated with both African and European audiences.

Similarly, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who was also educated in missionary institutions, became a prominent figure in the independence struggle. His education enabled him to articulate the grievances of the people and navigate the political landscape, eventually becoming one of the leaders of Kenya’s post-independence government. James Gichuru, another educated leader, played a critical role in Kenya’s independence, serving as a key figure in the Kenya African Union (KAU) and later in the first independent government.

These men, and others like them, were not just products of their educational systems; they were pioneers who used their knowledge to challenge colonial rule and lay the groundwork for independence. Their education was holistic, instilling in them a sense of responsibility toward their fellow citizens and a moral compass that guided their actions. They were not mere technocrats; they were visionaries who understood that their education came with the duty to serve their people.

The Silence of Today’s Intellectuals

Fast forward to the present, and one must ask: where is today’s learned class? In his book Anthills of the Savannah, Chinua Achebe describes a scenario where intellectuals stay “near the hole waiting for the right time.” This metaphor could not be more apt when examining the role of modern academicians in African politics. While the Jomo Kenyattas and Jaramogi Oginga Odingas of yesteryear were vocal, courageous, and willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good, today’s intellectuals seem content to remain on the sidelines.

Why have today’s scholars, who are arguably more educated and have more resources at their disposal, retreated into silence? Is it fear, complacency, or a misguided belief that their place is in the ivory tower rather than in the political arena? Many modern-day intellectuals have squandered the respect and honor that comes with their education, opting instead for personal gain or remaining neutral in the face of injustice.

One possible explanation is the system of education itself. In the past, education was seen as a tool for moral development and societal improvement. Today, it seems to be more focused on producing individuals who are skilled in particular fields but lack a sense of social responsibility. Could it be that our education system, which churns out PhDs at an unprecedented rate, is failing to instill the values of leadership, integrity, and service to society?

Education: A Tool for Consciousness or Nonsense?

In the colonial and early post-colonial periods, education was viewed as a means of elevating the consciousness of the people. Those who had access to it were expected to use their knowledge to uplift society. However, one has to question whether this is still the case today. Many of today’s scholars seem disconnected from the very societies they are supposed to serve. Despite holding advanced degrees, they often appear indifferent to the struggles of the common citizen.

Is it possible that our education system is teaching nonsense? By nonsense, I mean an education that focuses solely on technical skills and knowledge without any emphasis on morality, ethics, or social responsibility. It is no wonder, then, that many of today’s educated elite seem to have little regard for the suffering of their fellow citizens. Perhaps we need to return to an education system that values consciousness and social responsibility as much as technical proficiency.

The Role of Religious Leaders

Religious leaders, too, have historically played a significant role in political movements in Africa. During the independence struggle, the church was often a sanctuary for those fighting for justice. Religious leaders spoke out against colonialism and advocated for the rights of the oppressed. However, much like the intellectuals, today’s religious leaders seem to have lost their voice.

Why are religious leaders not as vocal as they once were? Are they teaching the right values to society, especially the political class? Many religious leaders have become closely aligned with political power, even allowing politicians to use the pulpit for their own purposes. This raises important questions about the sanctity of the church. If the pulpit is supposed to be a sacred space, why is it being used by politicians who do not uphold the values of justice, integrity, and service to others?

Religious leaders must ask themselves whether they are truly fulfilling their role as moral guides for society. Are they holding the political class accountable, or are they complicit in the very injustices they should be condemning?

The Media: The Town Crier or the Silenced Torchbearer?

The media, often referred to as the fourth estate, is another critical institution that has historically played a key role in holding power to account. In the fight for independence, the media served as the town crier, amplifying the voices of those fighting for justice and freedom. Today, however, the media in many African countries, including Kenya, appears to have lost its way.

Rather than serving as the torchbearer that illuminates the path to justice, the media seems to be directed by political forces. Instead of setting the agenda, the media is often following one laid out by the political elite. This is a dangerous shift, as it undermines the media’s role as a check on power. The media should be fearless in its pursuit of truth and justice, yet it often seems cowed by the overwhelming influence of the political class.

The Consuming Power of the Political Class

The overwhelming power of the political class in Africa today cannot be ignored. It has not only consumed the constitution, which should protect the rights of the people, but it has also engulfed key sectors of society, including the learned class, religious leaders, and the media. The silence of these institutions is a reflection of the political environment in which they operate—one that is dominated by fear, manipulation, and control.

As we reflect on the role of the learned class in the fight for independence, it is clear that today’s intellectuals, religious leaders, and media professionals have much to learn from the past. The heroes of Africa’s independence movements were not content to sit on the sidelines; they used their education, moral authority, and platforms to challenge injustice. It is time for today’s leaders to do the same, to reclaim their roles as the conscience of society, and to speak out against the injustices that continue to plague our continent.

The learned class, religious leaders, and media must all ask themselves: Are we serving the people or the powerful? If the answer is the latter, then it is time for a reckoning. Only through reclaiming their moral authority can these institutions help to create a more just and equitable society.