Dr. Tajudeen killed in car crash: Message of Condolence

By Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu, NCA-NCEC

Dear Compatriots and comrades,

On behalf of the The National Convention Assembly (NCA), The Partnership for Change and on my behalf, I wish to share the sadness and shock that has engulfed us on learning of the tragic death of Taju. We learned of the tragic death of Taju from a message Kepta Ombati sent us from Dar at 7 a.m. this morning. This is shocking beyond belief.

Taju, was one of the greatest Pan-Africanist standing. NCA/NCEC tremendously benefited from his wisdom and input over the years.

I knew Taju in 1996 when I met him in Kampala as a student leader of the Kenya Polytechnic Students Union. Then, Taju as Secretary General of the Pan-Africanist Movement was powerful and really the icon of the African vision and leadership. My encounter with him left a permanent impression on me. In 1999, after the death of our Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Taju was with us at the Wasifu Nyerere and since then he has practically turned kenya into his base for pushing the liberation agenda forward for Africa. In 2005, Taju working with his fellow Panafricanists including Dr. Willy Mutunga helped us get Prof. Issa Shivji to address our NCA fifth Plenary Session at Ufungamano House. Taju was simply outstanding.

The great Nigerian he was espoused the spirit of the continent. Those who worked even more closely with like Betty Kaari Murungi, Houghton Irungu, Mwaura Kaara, Mwangi Waituru and the whole team at UNMC Against Poverty and the MDGs, the whole African gender justice and indeed the Social Justice movement shall miss the leadership, inspiration and indefatigable embodiment of our struggle for free, prosperous and just societies in African and the world over.

The Kenyan Youth Movement and the Grass roots based social justice movements including the NYC, Bunge La mwananchi, the Transitional justice and the groups working with communities around land such the Social Economic Rights Foundation, Action Aid etc will find the gap Taju has left simply daunting.

When The Urgent Action Fund Africa co-convened last year the major African region Conference on Sexual and Gender Based Violence, I recall Taju illuminating the room with his originality, fervour and buoyant energy. How I Love the way he filled us with a smile and hope.

I am simply lost for what to say comrades. Let us just call for the Union of African states and the scrupulous delivery on the MDGs to honor Taju's efforts.

I will miss him.. My tears are with his family.

Pole Kenya, Pole Nigeria, Pole Africa.

Cyprian Orina Nyamwamu
NCA-NCEC