Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima's tribute to the late Prof. Micere Mugo

Abstract

A heartfelt tribute by Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima to Prof. Micere Githae Mugo. Prof. Mugo, a Kenyan luminary, was a professor, playwright, author, activist, and poet. She was renowned for her scholarship, serving as a literary critic and professor of Literature, Creative Writing, and Research Methods in the Department of African American Studies at Syracuse University, New York. In 1982, during the reign of Daniel Arap Moi in Kenya, Prof. Mugo was forced into exile due to her unwavering commitment to social and political justice. Her journey led her to teach in the United States and later in Zimbabwe, where her influence continued to shape generations of scholars. Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima who was a high-ranking female fighter in the 1950’s Mau Mau rebellion, recorded this tribute soon after Prof Micere Mugo’s passing in June 2023. It serves as a powerful testament to Prof Mugo’s enduring legacy and the deep respect she garnered from her peers. It is with profound sadness that we note that Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima passed on soon after this recording. She died in September 2023, marking the end of an era for two remarkable women who left an indelible mark on Kenya's history. Join us in honoring the remarkable lives of both Prof. Micere Mugo and Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima, women who not only made history but rewrote the narrative of courage, resilience, in Kenya and beyond.