The national narrative of how Kenya came to be is simplified into: the pre-colonial era, and the days leading to 12th December 1963 when we attained self-rule. In this simplification we hear a myriad of names or groups, from the likes of Mau Mau and Thomas Mboya, to Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Yet little is said of the Kenyan-Asians who, too, tirelessly fought for our country’s self-governance. One such person is Manilal Ambalal Desai, the journalist and activist who was one of the front-liners on the road to independence.
Manilal was born in India in 1879 during the British colonial era that had begun over a century before. Observing the struggle of his country-people may have prompted his decision to venture into law, and at the age of 36, he left Mumbai for Nairobi where the British East Africa Company had set up. His first job was at Harrison, Salmon and Cresswell Law Firm as a managing clerk, and from here, he joined the Nairobi Indian Association, which became the stepping stone to his notability in the colony.
At the association, Desai spearheaded vigorous campaigns, demanding justice and equality for both Kenyans and Indians, rallying for the Indian community in Kenya and the native Kenyans to demand for their rites. His obsession and desire to serve the community grew daily, and Desai always availed himself to anyone who sought advice or guidance.
It was this work that enabled him to meet Kenyan teacher, Harry Thuku, founder of The Young Kikuyu Association. The two shared many political ideas, and Desai was inspired to start the East African Chronicle – a local newspaper – where his role was in editorial. This authority allowed him to publish Thuku’s anti-colonial rule pamphlets: ‘Tangazo’. The pamphlets eventually caused a stir with the colonial government, and in 1921 the East African Chronicle was shut down and Thuku was detained in Kismayu. Desai took it upon himself to care for Thuku’s family. Despite this setback, Desai remained undeterred; he joined The Democrat – a newspaper that replaced the Chronicle. In 1923, Desai led a Kenya India delegation to London that resulted in the colonial secretary writing the Devonshire Declaration document, a statement that advocated for the equality of Indians and that was to show that African interests were paramount in the colony.
From here, he made plans to travel to Tanganyika to raise funds for The Democrat. Right before his departure, Desai joined the Legislative Council of Kenya (the then Parliament) in 1925 as one of the representatives of the Indian community. Sadly, barely a year later, in July of 1926, while in Bukoba, Desai died of heart failure.
To honour his memory and service to Africans and Asians, the Desai Memorial Library was built in Nairobi, and was one of the first libraries that welcomed all races.
Mr. Desai, the journalist activist, a champion for equality, for freedom, for self-rule, for Jamhuri – a true Paukwa-spirited person!