In 2017, during my second year studying International Relations at university, my sister gave me a book that would go on to reshape my perspective on my coursework. This book became my companion and reference point during countless evening debates with coursemates in the school cafeteria over masala tea, and a frequent source of citations in my term papers. The book was UNsilenced: Unmasking the United Nations’ Culture of Cover-Ups, Corruption and Impunity. The author was Rasna Warah.
Years later, I had the privilege of working with Rasna when she contributed opinion pieces to Debunk Media, where I served as the digital and publishing production manager. Though we met a couple of times in person at various literary events in Nairobi, our email exchanges revealed more of her character to me: direct, unfiltered, and precise in her communication.
She never left room for ambiguity in her words.
Rasna was fast. A story could break in the afternoon or the evening and by the next morning I would have in my email inbox an insightful and very opinionated piece. To do that, week in week out, while battling a terminal illness was nothing short of superhuman.
Rasna’s deep commitment to Kenya – its politics, history, future, and shortcomings – occasionally sparked controversy, but what meaningful writer and journalist exists without stirring debate? Through it all, she maintained an unwavering sincerity in her writing and in her vision for a more equitable, inclusive, and well-governed Kenya.
As she rests in eternal peace, we would do well to inherit her courage, sincerity, and passionate dedication to building a better Kenya.
