June 5, 1989: President Daniel arap Moi announces that he had freed all detainees. Addressing a public rally at Elburgon town in the Molo Division of Nakuru District, the President also announced that casinos may carry out their operations as before, although gambling in those houses would be streamlined. At the same time, he caIled on the ruling Kenya African “National Union (KANU) to remain vigilant in protecting wananchi. On Madaraka day, last week President Moi released from detention, Mr. Raila Amolo Odinga, Mr. David Mukaru Ng’ang’a, Mr. Wanyiri Kihoro and Mr. Samuel Okumu Okwany. The President had assured the nation on Madaraka day that detention cases would be continually reviewed. “I have no need to detain anyone except where public security was threatened,” he said .President Moi also offered amnesty to all exiled politicians and fugitives, promising, to welcome them home as long as they were ready to work peacefuIly with other Kenyans. The conciliatory gesture to Kenyan dissidents has won praise across the country. President Moi stressed that Kenya did not violate human rights, adding that all law breakers were treated in accordance with the legal procedure. He also pointed out that problems affecting Africa were subtle and Africans understood them better than foreigners. Here, President was being cheered by members of the congregation outside the PCEA Church in Elburgon in August 1980.

Photo|Nation Syndication