Esau Khamati Oriedo

Esau Khamati Sambayi Oriedo (29 January 1888 – 1 December 1992) be Kenyan Christian evangelist, philanthropist, entrepreneur plus trade unionist. He be veteran for World War I and World War II as soldier insyd King’s African Rifles (KAR). He too be barrister and strong anti-colonialism activist. Insyd 1923, he singlehandedly change de Christian church landscape for Bunyore plus de rest of North Nyanza region—wey now dey western den Nyanza regions for Kenya. He be bold den skilled all-round crusader for plenti different causes—he fight for rights of de aboriginal peoples, push hard for make Christianity and traditional African cultural moralities blend together, and he champion literacy. All dis happen inside di British East African Protectorate and Colony of Kenya, during over fifty years wey stretch from di 1910s go reach 1960s—both colonial den postcolonial time.Hastings, Adrian. The Church in Africa, 1450–1950. London: Oxford University Press, 1995.British Colonial Office of The Government of Great Britain, The Crown. Colonial Reports—Annual Report on the Social and Economic Progress of the People of the Kenya Colony And Protectorate, 1931. London: His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1931.The Government of Kenya. "Kakamega County Council Elected Members." Kanya Gazette. Vol. 68. 6. Nairobi: Official Publication of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, 8 February 1966.Kima Church of God Mission. "Church Archival Records." Kima, Bunyore, ca. 1915 – 1985.Great Britain. East Africa Royal Commission, Great Britain. Parliament, Great Britain. Colonial Office. East Africa Royal Commission 1953–1955 report. Great Britain: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1955.Solomon, Alan C. and Lohrentz, Kenneth P., "Guide to Nyanza Province Microfilm Collection, Kenya National Archives, Part III: Section 10, Daily Correspondence and Reports, 1930–1963, Vol. II" (1975). Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs – Former Departments, Centers, Institutes and Projects. Paper 1.Benjamin N. Lawrance, Emily Lynn Osborn, and Richard L. Roberts. "Intermediaries, Interpreters, and Clerks: African Employees in the Making of Colonial Africa." Benjamin N. Lawrance, Emily Lynn Osborn, and Richard L. Roberts. Intermediaries, Interpreters, and Clerks: African Employees in the Making of Colonial Africa. Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press, 2006. 189.United States Agency for International Aid (USAID). pdf documents: PNAAM016.pdf. 1 July 2013. <>.The Republic of Kenya. "Kakamega County Council Elections." The Kenyan Gazette (1966): 151.Devres, Inc. Technology and Management Needs of Small and Medium Agro-Industrial and Enterprises in Kenya: Implication for An International Agro-Industrial Service Center. United States Government. Washington, D.C.: United States Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.), 1981.R. D. McLaren, Assistant Registrar of Societies, Government of Kenya. "Notice of Registered Societies." Kenya Gazette. Nairobi: Official Publication of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, 13 March 1964.

Between 1952 and 1957, Esau Khamati Sambayi Oriedo dey among di people wey British colonial government detain for Kapenguria under emergency rule. Dem detain am together plus Mzee Jomo Kenyatta den oda Kenyan freedom fighters like Chief Koinange Wa Mbiyu (wey die 1960). During dis period, he suffer raw torture, dem no give am legal representation, and dem deny am visitation from ein family plus comrades. De colonial authorities seize all ein business ventures, money, and real estate as punishment.

Insyd early 1930s, Esau Oriedo and Jeremiah Othuoni (1898 – c. 1958) from Enyaita lead one strong civil disobedience movement wey fight for Bunyore chieftainship. Dis be one of di earliest successful local self-determination uprisings against di provincial colonial government for British East Africa. Before dis struggle, Bunyore still dey under di rule of Paramount Chief Nabongo Mumia of Wanga (wey die 1949). For 1926, di British colonial government appoint Mumia as paramount chief over four aligned districts of western Kenya, including Bunyore. Esau Oriedo be one of di first two council members from Bunyore wey represent dem for di colonial-era District House Assembly, wey dem call de Local Native Council (LNC) of North Nyanza—one of 26 native legislative bodies wey colonial government establish for 1924. He later serve as chairperson for di council. Because of how well he dey speak and defend di need for secular education, he lead di LNC secular education drive wey lead to di founding of Government African School Kakamega—now known as Kakamega High School. Dis be di first secular secondary school for Kenya and e help lay foundation for today ein public education system. After independence, Esau Oriedo win multiple elections as councilman for di County Council of Kakamega. He later step down by choice make younger generation take over, but he still continue to coach and mentor dem. For 1964, he successfully lead di campaign wey make Edward Eric Khasakhala become di first member of parliament (MP) from Bunyore.Hornsby, Charles. Kenya: A history since independence. IB Tauris, 2013.

As strong Christian crusader, Esau Oriedo dey among di native Africans wey people dey credit say dem help push di growth and spread of modern Christian church enter di interior part of Africa, from around 1450 to 1950. He plus Chief Otieno wa Andale of Bunyore be key aborigines wey people link to di successful early growth of de Church of God Kima Mission, especially during de period after 1904 when di mission still dey young. He work closely plus Daniel Asiachi on one Bible translation project wey di American Bible Society sanction, under di guidance of Dr. Gertrude B. Kramer. Dem translate di Bible—New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs—into de Nyole language. Because he strongly believe make Christianity mix well plus African traditional values, he leave di Church of God Kima Mission for 1923. Then for 1924, plus full support from Archdeacon of Uganda and Kavirondo, W. E. Owen, Esau Oriedo build St. John's Anglican Church for Ebwali village inside Bunyore under Church Mission Society.The Anglican Church of Kenya. About Anglican Church of Kenya: Church History.Letter from Archdeacon Kavirondo W. E. Owen: Correspondence and Missionary Papers, Church Missionary Society, CMS, missionary work in Africa 1918 - 1940. Dis move end di domination of Church of God for Bunyore, and since dat time till today, Bunyore turn backbone for de Anglican Church.

Esau Oriedo be strong pan-ethnic philanthropist plus literacy advocate wey give plenty pan-ethnic bursaries to aboriginal students from poor communities and families wey no fit pay school fees. Among di people wey benefit from ein support be politician Tom Mboya (wey die 1969) plus other well-known Kenyans. Because of how successful ein bursary efforts be, he later fit lobby make dem implement di North Nyanza LNC Scholarship Fund. One of di first and best examples of people wey benefit from dis scholarship be Arthur Okwemba—one very brilliant young man wey go study medicine for Makerere Medical School. Mr. Okwemba represent one of de first group of 15 percent of Makerere students wey come from fully illiterate and humble backgrounds.Iliffe, John. East African Doctors: a history of the modern profession. Vol. 95. Cambridge University Press, 1998.

 Biography 

 Early life 
Esau Khamati Oriedo (wey people too dey call “EK” anaa “Mzee Esau”) born around 1888 for Ebwali village, inside wetin now be modern-day Republic of Kenya. At dat time, di coastal areas of di country dey under di control of Imperial British East Africa Company, wey later turn East Africa Protectorate. He be from di Bantu Kavirondo Luhya ethnic group, specifically from di present-day Bunyore. Ein father be one of di elders wey dey part of de clan’s baraza system—since di Nyore or Nyole people dey live under one gerontocratic acephalous society, wey mean say dem no get central chief but dem run di community through representative governance with a council of elders. Esau be di firstborn among four children—three brothers plus one sister. Ein childhood no be easy at all; he face serious hardships. He lose ein father early, and from dat point, he hustle through life as orphan, eventually become self-made man wey people respect well and di whole country dey revere. On top, he survive variola major, one deadly form of smallpox, wey leave serious scars on ein face for life.

As orphan wey no get any form of support, Esau Oriedo lef ein birthplace and travel far make he find work so he go fit support ein three younger siblings. He get job as “shamba boy” for one plantation wey European settler annex. Even though di work hard and di pay small, he work with pride and commitment, and he perform so well say ein European employer notice say he get sharp brain. Because of dat, dem promote am first to domestic servant, then later to cook. He turn expert for kitchen—one proper gourmet chef. He use all ein salary support ein three siblings. He make sure say dem no suffer di hard life of orphanhood. Apart from providing dem daily needs, he make sure say all of dem go school and learn pass just basic reading and writing. He even buy farmland for each of ein brothers. He always talk say dis period for ein life humble am well well.

 Family 
Esau Khamati Oriedo marry Evangeline Olukhanya Ohana (née Analo) on 29 September 1923. She be daughter of Analo and Omina, both from di Bantu Luhya ethnic group. Di wedding be groundbreaking event wey cause serious controversy, because e join Christian marriage covenant plus traditional African reception as one single celebration. De Christian ceremony happen for Church of God Kima Mission, and Reverend H. C. Kramer—di head missionary from di Church of God at Anderson, Indiana, U.S.A.—officiate de wedding. Before de church ceremony, dem hold traditional African Luhya reception for Ebwali village inside Bunyore. Dis marriage be di first of ein kind to ever happen for Church of God Kima Mission for Kima in Bunyore. Di wedding cause heavy controversy—especially led by Rev. Kramer and di Church of God ein Missionary Board Office from Anderson, Indiana. But di result of dis union change di direction of Christian practice and acceptance across di Kavirondo region, wey today include di Nyanza and western parts of Kenya. 

De couple meet for di mission where Esau Oriedo dey serve as deacon, community liaison, and clerk. Evangeline Analo, on di other hand, be student for di mission ein quasi-seminary for girls—we dey consider am today as di forerunner to Bunyore Girls’ High School. She dey study Christian theology plus home economics education at di same time. She be one of di few young native African women wey di mission select to train as future Bible study intermediaries and home economics instructors for di indigenous community.

Esau Khamati Oriedo and Evangeline Analo get ten children—seven of dem survive into adulthood: Diane Trufosa Ongoche Nyabul (wey die 1977), Dr. Blasio Vincent Oriedo (wey die 1966), Dorcas Ayieta Anambo (wey die 2002), Norman S. Oriedo, Dr. Micah Atsiaya Oriedo, Malik Kenbellah Oriedo, plus Judith Ayoma Ong'ayo Shiraku. He make sure say di children wey survive get access to higher education. Generally, ein relationship plus ein children be complicated. Part of dis come from cultural reasons, plus ein life experiences—like di trauma from di two world wars wey he fight as soldier—and all di plenty national causes wey he dedicate ein life to champion. Dis selfless service to country take most of ein time, leave am with small or no time to fully bond with ein children. Even though he be compassionate person, he avoid showing wetin he see as "undue affection" to ein children. Normally, even when dem succeed, he receive di news calm, without showing too much excitement. Ein relationship with ein eldest son, Dr. Blasio Vincent Ndale Oriedo, be estranged. But when Blasio die for 1966 under unexplained circumstances, di death deeply break ein heart.

Insyd all, Esau Oriedo teach ein children make dem strive reach di highest potential wey dem fit, make dem humble, successful, and live for others. He want make dem get enough means to live content life wey no depend on others. He encourage dem to involve demself for national matters, be curious, embrace total inclusiveness and altruism, and live as good Christians. He believe say dem for blend traditional African heritage together plus Christian faith. Truly, di values wey he hold dear—altruism, service, and cultural-Christian harmony—show clear inside di life work of two of ein children: Dr. Blasio Vincent Oriedo (wey die 1966) and Dr. Micah Atsiaya Oriedo, as both of dem pursue social causes wey reflect di ideals wey he stand for.

Ein wife, Evangeline Ohana Olukhanya Oriedo, be respected pioneer and strong champion for women ein rights. She help lay di foundation for wetin later become Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation for 1952—a national Non-Governmental Organization wey dey fight for women causes inside Kenya. She be role model to many notable Kenyan women and public figures. One of di most notable examples na Ruth Habwe (wey die 1996), wey Evangeline mentor and advise. Mrs. Habwe make history for 1964 as di first woman for post-colonial Kenya wey challenge di male-only parliamentary system when she contest for one of di three special parliamentary seats wey dey vacant at di time. Evangeline Oriedo too help organise one support group for women whose husbands dem detain because of demma activism against colonial rule for Kenya. She be among di first native Africans from di Maseno diocese wey dem admit into di Mothers’ Union organisation of di Anglican Church, and she later become di leader of die Maseno diocese branch. She use di Mothers’ Union as strong structure to teach scripture and home economics to her people from Bunyore. Di Mothers’ Union originally start for Kenya by European Kenyan women for 1918.

 Education 
Esau Oriedo be pure autodidact—we mean say he teach himself everything—plus he be multilingual polyglot wey expand ein knowledge through practical, functional learning. Ein thirst for knowledge and deep curiosity be something people always admire. From early youth, he gain open access to di well-stocked private library of ein Briton employer, who recognize say di young man get sharp brain, strong hunger for learning, and deep curiosity. He make full use of di books inside dat library to teach himself how to read and write properly. Through dis, he turn eloquent writer, deep-thinking reader, and fluent speaker of English, on top of Kiswahili, ein mother tongue, and several other languages. Dis self-education pay off greatly—not only for himself, but also for di European employer wey begin use Esau ein learning to help manage ein African workers better. Dis lead to higher productivity and improved economic gains for di farming business. As someone deeply rooted in di Bible, Esau Oriedo become avid bibliophile and sharp scholar of Christian history. He grow very interested in comparing Christianity to traditional African beliefs and to other world religions. Dis quest push am to deeply study di Bible and many other theological and philosophical books. Ein learning journey no end there—he also study di legal systems of Britain and America, especially civil rights law and business law. Because of dat, he become very knowledgeable in British jurisprudence and Crown regulations. Esau Oriedo be one rare example of how powerful self-learning fit be, especially for someone wey come from humble beginnings but manage rise through pure determination and intellectual passion. Later on, because of ein strong intellectual capacity, practical knowledge, and multilingual skills, Esau Oriedo receive formal certification as judicial clerk and interpreter under di British East Africa colonial legal system. He be one of di first two native Africans wey di British judiciary choose make dem serve as court interpreters for Kisumu court—one of di three main judiciary centres for Kenya. During ein time for di judiciary, through hands-on experience and continuous learning, Esau Oriedo become even more deeply grounded in British jurisprudence and Crown regulations. He foresightedly understand how di legal system and Crown laws fit be used as tools to protect and uplift di native people of di British Colony of Kenya.

He grow into one prolific and eloquent writer, passionate reader, and fluent English speaker—on top of Kiswahili, ein mother tongue and di Bantu lingua franca, plus several other languages. Because of dis background, he become powerful advocate for literacy and higher education among native Africans. He promote learning as key to empowerment and national development.

Additionally, on top of all di earlier mentioned achievements, Esau Oriedo be dedicated student of British military strategy—a deep interest wey he develop during ein military service in both World War I and World War II. Di military training and experience wey he gain during those wars no only educate am further, but also strengthen ein leadership skills and strategic thinking.

He show excellence across many different areas of life. He no limit himself to just one field—he champion multiple human causes, both socioeconomic and geopolitical, always thinking across disciplines and ethnic boundaries. For ein native Kenya, he stand out as one true national figure wey work beyond tribal lines to push for justice, equity, and development for all.

 Politics 
Ein functional political activism start from di middle part of di second decade for di 20th century. As devout Christian, Esau Oriedo begin raise concerns about how di missionary church dey totally reject native African cultural values. Dis na for one time wey di colonial Christian teaching dey push di idea say any aboriginal wey wan be good Christian must totally obey, no question am—make e just be soft, quiet convert. But even though he deeply believe in Christianity, Esau Oriedo boldly challenge dis colonial mindset. He call am red herring drivel—pure distraction—den say e go against wetin di Christian Bible truly teach. He sana be strong supporter of secular education system. As member of di District House Assembly for North Kavirondo/Nyanza, he lead North Nyanza LNC’s secular education movement. Under ein leadership, dem establish di Government African School Kakamega—wey be di first secular secondary school for Kenya, and na from there today’s public education system for Kenya begin grow.

Esau Khamati Oriedo plus John Adala be de first Bunyore people wey dem elect enter de District House Assembly wey dem dey call Local Native Council (LNC). De Local Native Councils na law wey dem create for 1924 under de Native Authority Amendment Ordinance, No. 14 of 1924. Di colonial government create total of 26 native legislative units across British Colony plus Protectorate of Kenya. De official chairmen for dis councils na de white colonial District Commissioners. But di members of de council dey come partly from election den partly from nomination. Even though de main reason why di colonial government start dis councils no be to give native Africans power to decide dem own matters, by 1932, during di time Esau Oriedo dey serve, de Local Native Council for North Nyanza begin take bold steps to control dem own development. Dem begin make key decisions to build infrastructure wey go benefit African people—like establishing secular higher education, transforming agriculture for North Nyanza, improving di economy through trade and industry, developing healthcare, roads, inclusive politics, and so on. Make e clear say di Local Native Council of North Kavirondo/Nyanza come get de biggest budget among all di 26 native legislative bodies wey dey British Colony plus Protectorate of Kenya.

Afta dem reelect Esau Oriedo for 1928 to represent ein district insyd de District House Assembly of North Kavirondo (wey later dem dey call Local Native Council of North Nyanza), he serve as di vice-chairman for di council. Later, he come serve two terms as chairman of di council. By 1932, during ein tenure, di Local Native Council of North Nyanza dey make serious decisions to direct dem own path towards building key infrastructure to support African development. Esau Oriedo play strong influential role as one of di main brains behind dis transformational work wey di North Nyanza LNC do. De secular education initiative wey de North Nyanza LNC start—wey lead to di establishment of Government African School Kakamega (wey today dem dey call Kakamega High School)—na clear example of how ein foresight plus advocacy for make African education comot from di heavy hand of religious dogma really work well.

Esau Oriedo, wey be philanthropist plus literacy advocate, dey give bursary to people wey come from poor families wey no fit pay school fees. He dey always encourage di people wey get ein bursary make dem go de LNC secular schools. Dis ein support help pull plenty brilliant students wey come from poor homes enter secular education, wey later make di North Nyanza LNC government schools begin do better pass de church-based schools. Sana, de North Nyanza LNC get dem own scholarship program too, wey Esau Oriedo help push. Dis scholarship mostly focus on helping talented students wey no fit afford higher education—like for Makerere Medical School for Mengo, wey be present-day Uganda. One good example of de kind person wey benefit from dis scholarship na Arthur Okwemba—a sharp young man wey go study medicine for Makerere Medical School. Mr. Okwemba be perfect example of di 15 percent of Makerere students wey come from totally illiterate plus humble background. Mr. Okwemba na clear sign of how Esau Oriedo take play pioneering role to make both early and higher education open to everybody, no matter where dem from or demma family status.

Wen Kenya gain ein independence for 1963, dem elect am make he represent Emuhaya electoral area as councilor insyd de County Council of Kakamega District, wey be de present-day Western Province. He serve multiple terms as councilor—wey mean say he be elected member of Kakamega County Council. County Councils dat time be local political governing bodies for de newly restructured country, wey now be di new Republic of Kenya.

Esau Khamati Oriedo be pragmatically progressive den dynamic political figure; he be charismatic den transformational statesman wey embrace change as opportunity to reach new levels for di sociopolitical den socioeconomic betterment of ein native African people. He quick recognize say di native African environment dey change, den he fit understand say dis new reality no be something wey dem fit escape. More so, he get vision say di traditional native sociopolitical den economic structures be old-fashioned, den dem need evolve; if dem no change, then great danger go fall on ein people.

As politician, Esau Khamati Oriedo be pragmatic den effective leader during de colonial era plus de early years after independence. For colonial time inside, he serve as district representative for de District House Assembly wey dem dey call de Local Native Council (LNC) of North Nyanza. Dis LNC be one of de 26 local native legislative bodies wey de colonial government create for 1924 across Kenya. Apart from being just district representative, he later serve as de chairperson for di council too.

Esau Khamati Oriedo be member of di Kenya African Union (KAU), where e serve as grassroots organiser den events coordinator. He dey go round mobilise traders den workers join di movement. As person wey fight war before den study British military strategy well-well, he come develop deep understanding of wetin e mean to build nation. He see how inside di British army, people from different races den tribes dey come together, work as one under one command to achieve di same goal. Dis insight show am say di European military culture of unity den teamwork no different from di African traditional way wey people dey come together as community to achieve something bigger. Because of dat, Esau believe say make dem native African people unite and combine dem struggles. For ein mind, nationalism den di fight for African people ein rights na di same thing—you no fit support one and leave di other. Dem two be one whole.

Esau Khamati Oriedo be true example of di pan-ethnic African nationalism fight for Kenya ein freedom from colonial den imperial rule. Anything wey concern colonialism or tribal supremacy dey make Esau vex deep—e be ein worst enemy. Ein brave fight against all kinds of injustice get strong support from ein sense of practical wisdom, matched plus ein natural ability as tactician den strategist. He see early how de lifestyle of dem native people start dey change as explorers den missionaries begin show face, den how colonial rule later take over. He understand say dis kain change no go fit reverse, so he believe say him den ein people for adapt by building new kind of pan-ethnic nation-state wey go work practically. He know say dis kain modern nation go fragile, because e dey bring together different traditional societies wey get dem own different customs den beliefs, all under one new kind of government. Because of dat, he warn serious against tribal domination wey go turn de nation into system wey dey control by small group, while others become like slaves. Esau truly be loud voice against tribalism—especially those tribal fights wey dey cause division and weaken di bigger African unity wey dem need to fight colonialism finish.

As polyglot lingua franca, Esau Khamati Oriedo take di lead for unite different Kenyan ethnic groups for grassroots teaching and mobilization to support di pan-ethnic African nationalism struggle. Because he dey deeply understand both intra-ethnic and interethnic matters wey dey important to people from many tribes for Kenya, people respect am as peace mediator. Di people wey fight for Kenya ein independence together plus am come from all tribal and social backgrounds.

Wen Kenya gain independence for December 1963, dem elect am multiple times as councilman for di County Council of Kakamega. But for early 1970s, he willingly resign from di post so dat di younger generation fit take over, although he still dey mentor dem. County councils den be key local governments inside di new Republic of Kenya; dem carry di big task of creating and managing di kind infrastructure wey go bring together di plenty and different local communities—geographical, cultural, economic, language, political, den religious—to form one united republic wey go represent everybody ein interest.

Then for 1964, he successfully lead di campaign wey carry ein apprentice, Edward Eric Khasakhala, go win seat for national parliament as di first ever member of parliament (MP) from Bunyore.

 Faith 
As Christian crusader, champion for religious (Christian) tolerance plus cultural inclusiveness, Esau Khamati Oriedo challenge di colonial-era Christian church and missionaries wey dey Kenya make dem accept traditional African heritage. E dey among di Africans wey dem credit for help bring successful breakthrough and progress of di modern Christian church into di interior parts of Africa between 1450 and 1950. Insyd 1923, he lead di founding of St. John's Anglican Church for Ebwali village inside Bunyore, Kenya, to counter di way Church of God dey dominate Bunyore. Dis action come after he reject Church of God Anderson, Indiana, USA Kima Mission, because di mission take hard, hostile stand against African culture. Before dat time, he and Chief Otieno wa Ndale be major African figures wey help establish and grow di Kima Mission. He be key African member and main stakeholder for di mission. Even though he later leave di Church of God, for 1954, di Kima Mission, plus approval from de International Missionary Board of Church of God for Anderson, Indiana, USA, still present award to am and ein wife—after di fact (ex post facto)—to honor dem outstanding role for di growth and success of di Church of God, Kima Mission.

Insyd 1923, Esau Oriedo singlehandedly change how Christian church dey operate for Bunyore and di rest of North Nyanza. Even though he be strong Christian, he stand firm against di hostile way colonial Christian church missionaries plus dem overseas sponsors take dey treat African culture. Dis belief wey he hold—say Christianity fit blend well wit traditional African values—show well-well for how ein wedding take happen dat same year. Ein wedding for 1923 combine di Christian holy marriage sacrament wey dem celebrate for Church of God Kima Mission, plus African traditional marriage celebration wey happen for Ebwali village. Dis traditional reception cause serious wahala. Reverend H. C. Kramer, di head missionary wey even be di one wey officiate di wedding, join mouth wit di mission headquarters for Anderson, Indiana, USA, to condemn di reception. Dem talk say di reception be sacrilege and come demand say Esau and ein wife must beg God for forgiveness. But Esau Khamati no gree. As person wey dey fight for religious tolerance, he talk say dat demand be nothing but religious bondage wey dey look down on African identity. He insist say both him and ein wife be true Christians—people wey God create in His own image, complete with dem African roots. He explain say to apologize for honoring ein culture na like committing sacrilege against dat same culture wey help grow di Church of God work for di area. Instead of kneeling to di colonial Church of God xenophobic demands, di couple take am upon demself to encourage other African believers to leave di Church of God. Dem go on to start dem own Christian church wey partner with di Christian Missionary Society (CMS). Dis CMS be more respectful to African culture, especially under di leadership of Anglican Archdeacon Walter Edwin Owen, a man wey Esau get strong partnership with for promoting civil and cultural inclusion.

Insyd 1923, dem found di Ebwali St. John Anglican Church parish wit full support from di British Anglican Archdeacon Walter Edwin Owen. Dis Archdeacon Owen na di one wey dey in charge of di Anglican archdioceses for di Kavirondo area for Kenya Colony plus di British East African Protectorate of Uganda. Esau Khamati Oriedo fit convince am make e support di new parish, and di Archdeacon even give dem land plus oda important materials to help di church start well. E still come preside over di official opening ceremony of di new church. Dis founding of Ebwali Anglican Church parish by Esau Khamati na wetin give strong push to how di three modern-day Maseno Dioceses of di Anglican Church of Kenya take grow. No be say Esau just walk comot from Church of God—he turn to become strong advocate and crusader for di Christian Missionary Society (CMS). Because of all dis, by 1924, Church of God wey before dey strong for Bunyore no get hold again; di region come turn to di backbone of di Anglican Church.

Insyd 1954, Rev. Daudi Otieno from Church of God Kima Mission plus di headquarters for Anderson, Indiana come honour Mr. and Mrs. Esau Khamati Oriedo for how dem take serve di Church of God Mission well—especially for di Kima Bunyore Mission, and how dem no stop to preach Christianity inside Kenya, particularly for Bunyore area and di whole Nyanza province. Di Church of God from Anderson, Indiana and di Kima Mission even officially recognize and register di 1923 Christian marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Esau Khamati Oriedo. Dis kind backward recognition of their marriage and Christian work mark di beginning of how Church of God start to dey accept di joining of Christian belief plus African traditional values; and dis help make de church message strong well-well.

Esau Khamati Oriedo den Daniel Asiachi still play big role together plus Dr. Gertrude B. Kramer to translate di Bible—especially di New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs—enter Lunyole (or Lunyore), wey be di original language of di Bantu Kavirondo people. Dis translation get backing from American Bible Society and Dr. Gertrude B. Kramer wey lead di work; she be di wife of Rev. Henry C. Kramer wey bin be di head missionary for Church of God Kima Mission during 1920s. Dis translation na big achievement. Even though many local people help, na Mr. Oriedo and Mr. Asiachi carry di main work on top dia head, as dem dey help coordinate contributions from different African communities for Bunyore and beyond, and work directly plus Dr. Kramer.

 Activism 
True-tru, for dat time wey colonial rule dey Ghana, wen everybody dey live inside fear plus intimidation, Esau Khamati show say e no dey follow crowd anyhow. As dem dey give orders, e go first reason am well before e go agree. If e no see any sense inside, e go question di authority. Dis kain attitude make di imperial-colonial authorities vex for am. Even though dem torture am den try put am for wahala with harsh punishment and verbal abuse, Esau Khamati, wey dem dey call “di Inquisitor,” no shake—e still stand strong for ein belief. E believe say asking questions be proper way to challenge wrong.

As trade unionist, legal advocate plus scholar, he be one of di key people wey start di original trade-union movement for Kenya. Dis movement dey fight for better salary, good working condition plus fine housing for African workers. During di Kakamega Gold Rush between 1930 and 1952, e fight make African mine workers gather under union as peaceful way to get dia rights through group negotiation. E beg di Local Native Council (LNC) of North Nyanza make dem support dis union idea, but dem no gree. Even so, Esau still push to make good-hearted British people sabi wetin African people dey go through. But di colonial authorities no like dis. Dem talk say ein actions na rebellion or say e dey stir trouble, so dem quick quick ban am.

 Freedom Fighter 
As Esau Oriedo be political activist plus freedom fighter, e actively stand up for di independence of British Colony of Kenya inside di struggle wey dem later call di Mau Mau rebellion. Because of ein role for dis fight, dem detain am from 1952 go 1957 for Kapenguria together plus Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and other Kenyan freedom fighters like Chief Koinange Wa Mbiyu (wey die for 1960). Esau build strong relationship plus Chief Koinange during dat time. While dem hold am, Esau Oriedo face torture plus wicked treatment under di so-called emergency rule wey British colonial government bring. Dem no allow am get lawyer or even see ein family or friends. On top dis, di government seize all ein businesses, money, and real estate properties as punishment. But even though dem treat am dis bad way, Esau no ever back down.

As freedom fighter, Esau Oriedo dey fight for pan-ethnic African nationalist independent Kenya; e stand front for Kenya ein struggle to comot from British colonial rule. Ein sabi for di British Judicature of Acts plus di way e fit speak plenty languages be big help for di freedom movement, especially to push pan-ethnic African nationalist independent Kenya. E campaign make dem free Chief Koinange Wa Mbiyu, because di man ein health dey go down and Esau really worry about am; e beg di colonial government make dem release Chief Koinange for medical reasons.

Insyd 1946, Esau Khamati Oriedo—wey be pan-ethnic activist and member of KAU—join di Bunyore leaders wey welcome Jomo Kenyatta for Maseno Depot inside Bunyore, when Kenyatta dey waka all around Kenya dey beg Kenyans make dem rise for independence fight. By 1946, Kenyatta don return from England after e spend years for self-exile. Dis campaign make Bunyore people get more interest to join national political parties plenty.

As battle-hardened soldier, e take de organizational plus leadership skills wey e learn for war front use join Kenyan people from different tribes together for one goal: make Kenya get ein independence plus make all de people inside get full rights. Esau serve as soldier for two world wars (WWI and WWII) under de King’s African Rifles (KAR), and dat one make am strong plus give am deep understanding of British military strategy; e come learn how to lead based on di situation, den e start value de idea of nationhood—how to bring all di different African groups insyd British Colony and Protectorate of Kenya together as one nation through unity of demma different tribes. E see how soldiers from different races and tribes dey fight under di British flag to reach common military goals, and dis open ein eye say European military culture dey like African traditional way of communalism—wey be say people dey work together as one for same goal. E believe say make dem mix native African struggle and nationalism together, because e dey clear say di two no fit separate—you no fit fight for one and leave de oda.

Ein military training plus di experience wey e get support am strong for di way e take fully support and fight for pan-ethnic African nationalistic struggle make Kenya free from colonial plus imperial rule. E stand gidigba against any kind of tribal power or domination for politics or economy side, because e see early say dis kain thing go destroy di unity wey African freedom movement need. E use ein skill as person wey dey settle matter plus person wey fit speak plenti languages many times to help stop serious tribal fight between de Luo and Kikuyu people wey nearly turn full war for 1950s.

 Secular Education den Bursaries 
Esau Oriedo be strong plus well-spoken person wey dey support secular education. De way e take push de matter clear plus strong lead to North Nyanza Local Native Council (LNC) secular education plan wey bring about de founding of Government African School Kakamega—wey today dem dey call am Kakamega High School. Dis school na de first secular secondary school, den e turn foundation for how Kenya public education system dey today. E even give out ein family land make Ebwali Primary School fit dey build well and improve de kind education wey children dey get.

Esau Oriedo na person wey believe well-well for literacy plus higher education, den dis thing turn ein life mission. As District Representative for di Native Local Council (LNC) of North Nyanza, na him lead di movement to start secular school system wey go fit match de mission schools. As philanthropist plus literacy advocate, e dey give bursary to people wey no get money to go school—especially pikin dem from poor families. Dis bursary no dey look tribe; e be pan-ethnic, den e reach many aboriginal students from different ethnic groups. Some of di people wey benefit from am na Tom Mboya (wey die for 1969) plus other people wey help build Kenya for both di colonial and postcolonial time. Even though e no force anybody to choose secular school instead of mission school, e dey always advise di people wey get ein bursary make dem try go di LNC secular schools. Dis bursary dem wey Esau Oriedo introduce help attract plenty pikin dem wey get sharp brain but come from poor home go secular school. Dis move make di North Nyanza LNC government schools begin do pass di parochial (mission) schools for academics. North Nyanza LNC sef get ein own scholarship program wey Esau Oriedo help push. Dis scholarship mostly focus on higher education, especially for students wey get talent but no fit pay college fees—for example, schools like Makerere Medical School for Mengo, wey dey present-day Uganda. One typical example of person wey benefit from dis scholarship na Arthur Okwemba; one brilliant young man wey go study medicine for Makerere. Mr. Okwemba na correct example of de 15 percent of Makerere students wey come from totally poor den illiterate background. Di story of Okwemba show how Esau Oriedo pioneer make early and higher education open to everybody—no matter where dem from or wetin dem family background be.

 De Kakamega Gold Rush of 1930-52 
As Esau Oriedo dey serve as member plus chairman for di North Nyanza LNC, he join hand plus odah Luhya (Kavirondo-Bantu) leaders and activists fight for Luhya land rights—especially during di Kakamega Gold Rush (1930–52). Dem believe say North Nyanza LNC get legal right to all di gold money wey dem dey make for di area. Dem argue say di native people of North Kavirondo District (wey dey Nyanza Province) na dem get full ownership of di land—whether e get gold or not. Dem maintain say di LNC, under di Native Authority Amendment Ordinance No. 14 of 1924, na di main authority wey get di legal power to make decision for native lands. Dis na because di British colonial and imperial authorities bin push native communities go land wey dem believe no get value, only for gold to come dey found later. Because of Archdeacon Owen ein influence and support, Esau Oriedo and ein team protest how di colonial and imperial authorities wan carry land from di Luhya people just because dem find gold. Di Native Land Trust Amendment Ordinance of 1932 now come deny di Luhya people dem alienable rights to dem land again, and even cancel di small statutory powers wey di North Nyanza LNC bin get before under di 1924 Ordinance.

Insyd early 1930s wey be di beginning time for di Kakamega Gold Rush, Esau Oriedo help explain give Archdeacon Owen — wey be member for Committee on Native Land Tenure for North Kavirondo Reserve (1930) — how di Bantu Kavirondo people (Luhya people) dey deeply respect land. Dem see land as heritage wey go pass from one generation to anoda without end, something wey tie dem directly to demma ancestors. Because of dis deep connection, di whole colonial reservation system no just bring wahala to dem, but di recommendations from di Committee on Native Land Tenure itself come add more problem. Di report talk say make land go through registration and make dem dey pay registration fees plus other levies. But di Bantu Kavirondo people see dis move as oppression. To dem, e mean say di land wey belong to demma forefathers dey now claimed by imperial and colonial rulers plus some native people wey dey support di system. Dis kind action put di colonial and imperial rulers plus dem native allies on top as if dem be landlords, while e push di real owners — di Bantu Kavirondo people — down make dem be like squatters or tenants for dem own land. Tradition no fit accept dis kind thing, so e be matter wey dem take serious and resist boldly, make everybody know say dem no dey agree.

Ein still stand for di rights of African mine workers strong. As one vocal member for North Nyanza LNC, Esau Oriedo talk loud against di bad treatment wey native African gold mine workers dey face. Dis include de poor pay wey dem dey get and di terrible conditions wey dem dey work under, plus how dem lose dem reservation lands—lands wey de colonial and imperial British authorities for Kenya say no get value—wey dem give di natives under di Native Land Trust Ordinance of 1924. Esau Oriedo beg di North Nyanza LNC make dem support di idea make African mine workers join union, as a peaceful and strong way wey dem fit take fight for dem rights through collective bargaining. He try hard reach sympathetic Britons to make dem know wetin native Africans dey go through, all because of de Kakamega Gold Rush from 1930 go 1952. But e no easy. Di colonial and imperial authorities join hands plus European miners, mining companies, and speculators. Dem build strong legal grounds to make sure say dem go always get plenty African workers wey go work for cheap pay and inside bad conditions. Because of all dis, dem begin see wetin Esau Oriedo dey do as antigovernment or say e dey try cause wahala.

 Trade Unionist 
Ein be one of de main people for di first trade-union movement for Kenya wey dey fight for better pay, good working conditions, plus better housing for African workers. Dis trade-union movement be di main engine wey spark di political movement; di Kenya African Union (KAU) wey later turn Kenya African National Union (KANU) come directly from dis same trade-union movement.

As person wey organise trade unions during de colonial era, Esau Oriedo use di power of union work well-well to join body plus anoda activists make dem fit push one agenda together—to fight for better life, economic strength, and political power for native people during di time wey British people still dey rule Kenya. Because trade unions show say dem get power to change things for better socially and politically, di colonial government begin see dem as dangerous people wey dey hide under trade union to cause political wahala. Dem tag dem as political subversives. Because of dat, dem begin use court law, emergency rule, plus one law dem call “seditious speeches and acts” to chase trade unions, attack dem members, and break down di organisations completely.

Insyd early 1930s, ein start dey push make African mine workers join union as peaceful and strong way to fight for demma rights through collective bargaining. He beg de North Nyanza LNC make dem support dis unionisation method, but e no succeed. He talk say make African mine workers come together inside union go help dem fight for demma rights without violence, through collective voice. Together plus Archdeacon Owen, he try bring de wahala wey de native Africans dey face to de mind of Britons wey get sympathy—wahala wey start because of de Kakamega Gold Rush from 1930 go 1952. But as he dey do all dis, colonial authorities begin see am and others wey dey help like antigovernment troublemakers or people wey dey stir crowd. Dem quickly ban dis kind efforts.

1930–52 [Kakamega Gold Rush] – E work hard without stopping to bring de mind of sympathetic Britons to de wahala wey native Africans dey go through; wahala wey come from de Kakamega Gold Rush wey happen from 1930 go reach 1952.

..E be member for de multiethnic Kisumu Chamber of Commerce wey dem form insyd 1927 under de Kavirondo Taxpayers Welfare Association (wey start for 1923) under de leadership of Zablon Aduwo Nanyonje. Later for 1930s, he still join hand to help start de North Kavirondo Chamber of Commerce, wey dem build to support de rising number of African retail traders, including himself. Even though Kisumu Chamber of Commerce be multiethnic, de Kavirondo Taxpayers Welfare Association later turn into somtin wey mostly Luo — Nilotic Kavirondo people dey control. Dis na wetin make North Kavirondo Taxpayers Association break out for 1924, wey now dey carry members from Luhya — Bantu Kavirondo. Both Kavirondo and North Kavirondo Taxpayers Associations first start under de control of chiefs and demma rich supporters. But de Kisumu Chamber of Commerce den North Kavirondo Chamber of Commerce no gree make chiefs plus demma people join at all. De aim of de chamber be to stop de collusion wey dey go on between colonial chiefs and Asian traders, and to stand against de colonial government marketing boards wey dey bring anti-African economic rules.

As e be serious trade unionist, e role make colonial government target am plus ein fellow trade-union members, use court power, emergency rule, plus dem so-called laws against seditious talk den actions to persecute dem.

Insyd 1964 inside, na Esau Oriedo found de Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bunyore Branch (wey dem register for 3 June 1964); dis one be not-for-profit, non-governmental, member-based organisation wey dem give mandate to promote better den productive business environment, advocate for good regulations, take care of community well-being, develop literate local human resources, raw material den technology, plus create commerce den industry infrastructure wey fit attract business development wey go last, all to help improve de socioeconomic welfare of all de communities for Bunyore.

 De Bunyore Chieftaincy 
Insyd de 1930s, Esau Oriedo push strong den succeed for advocate make dem create chieftainship for Bunyore. Before dis, Bunyore still dey under de control of Paramount Chief Nabongo Mumia of Wanga (wey die 1949). Na de British colonial government appoint Mumia for 1926 as paramount chief over all four districts for western Kenya wey dem see as traditionally aligned — wey include de Bunyore people, Esau Oriedo ein own Bantu Luhya ethnic group. Esau Khamati Oriedo plus Jeremiah Othuoni (1898 – around 1958) from Enyaita be political frontier activists wey ein bold resistance den activism through political defiance make de colonial government change how dem dey govern Bunyore. Dis change bring de Bunyore chieftaincy structure wey de Nyore/Nyole community support. E important make we note say de pre-European acephalous Nyore/Nyole of Bantu Kavirondo/Luhya, like other Bantu Luhya groups, be sovereign people; so de way de British colonial officials appoint chiefs without respect to dem traditional systems bring strong resentment. Dis be de same kind system wey Kenyatta talk against among de Bantu Gikuyu people for central Kenya, den wey Esau Oriedo plus Jeremiah Othuoni fight against too.

 Fight for Syncretism den Religious Inclusiveness 
De strong motivation behind ein fight make Christianity and African values fit blend start from late 1910s, when he begin search how to mix Africanism plus Christianity, den add de socioeconomic technological power wey Europeans hold. One clear example of how he embrace dis dual identity be ein own wedding for 1923. Dis wedding combine Christian service for Church of God Kima mission plus traditional African reception for Ebwali village. Reverend H. C. Kramer, wey be de head of Church of God Anderson, Indiana Kima Mission for Kima insyd Bunyore, Kenya, be de one wey lead de church part of de wedding — even though dis blend no please de Church of God missionary at all.

On 12 November 1954, as recognition of de Church of God Anderson, Indiana plus ein Kima mission, dem recognize Esau Khamati Oriedo (wey dey detention for Kapenguria because of ein role for de freedom movement) plus ein wife, Evangeline Ohana Olukhanya Oriedo, for de support wey dem give Church of God Kima Mission, plus how dem dey continue spread Christianity for Bunyore plus de rest of Nyanza region (wey now be present-day western Kenya plus Nyanza Province for Kenya). De Church of God Kima Mission come award dem "Certificate of Marriage" wey dem issue ex post facto, den Rev. Daudi Otieno — wey be clerk for de mission by de time of de original wedding for 1923 — na ein sign am. Dis ex post facto recognition of Mr. plus Mrs. Esau Khamati Oriedo ein marriage plus dem stewardship to de church plus Christianity mark de beginning of de Church of God Mission ein change in attitude — to dey more open to blend Christian doctrine plus traditional African values. Dis change help make de church ein teaching of Scripture more effective.

 Colonial-era court clerk and interpreter 
E be person wey dey speak plus write plenty languages; because of dis ein talent, de British judiciary choose am make e be court interpreter plus clerk. Na through dis role wey e gain big knowledge plus skills for de British legal system. During de struggle for Kenya ein independence, e use ein knowledge of British law to stand up for African people dem rights. E dey give free legal representation to Africans wey de British colonial government for Kenya accuse under de state of emergency rule plus de general provisions of seditious speeches plus acts.

E use ein understanding of British Judicature of Acts well well to provide legal support plus advocacy to trade unions plus demma members, plus other native African organisations wey colonial government dey target as political subversives.

 Entrepreneur 
E be successful entrepreneur—merchant plus commercial miller wey get business ventures all over de country—North Nyanza, South Nyanza, plus Central Provinces (Western, Nyanza, plus Central provinces for Republic of Kenya; colonial era British Colony plus Protectorate of Kenya). For 1938, e become de first African for inside de British Colony of Kenya to own plus operate, completely, one automated commercial scale Posho/Grain Mill—for gristing plus grinding maize plus other types of comestible grain—for North plus South Nyanza regions wey now dey Western plus Nyanza provinces for inside Republic of Kenya.

Insyd de 1920s, e establish Oriedo, Esau & Sons trading company wey later turn national enterprise wey get branches for all de major cities of de British Colony of Kenya. E build strong supply chain plus brokerage infrastructure for de business, plus dem recognise am for one report wey US Agency for International Development commission about agro-industrial enterprises for Kenya. De Esau & Sons trading company be one big business group wey get plenty different business units. E set up one of de most effective business supply chain plus brokerage infrastructures.

As businessman, e build close plus effective business partnerships plus social friendships plus de Kenyan Indian/Asian communities, insyd which e fit speak Hindi plus get adequate reading plus writing skills. E dey important make we note say Indian merchants contribute well well to de economic development insyd colonial plus postcolonial East Africa, even though dem monopolise trade for de region. Summary of ein major entrepreneurial accomplishments timeline dey follow.

 Insyd de 1920s e establish Oriedo, Esau & Sons trading company wey later turn national enterprise wey get branches insyd all de major cities of de British Kenyan colony plus independent Republic of Kenya.
 1938 — e operate, as de only sole owner, de first commercial scale grain mill for North plus South Nyanza provinces (wey now be Western plus Nyanza provinces, respectively, insyd Republic of Kenya) under de British Colony plus Protectorate of Kenya.
 June 1964 — e be founding member of Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bunyore Branch; wey e lead personally.
 1981 — de US Agency for International Development recognise am accordingly for ein role insyd agro-industrial enterprises for Kenya.

 Philanthropy 
Esau Oriedo be philanthropist wey support plenty human causes. E lead by example den be inspirational role model to many Kenyans across different ethnic groups, geopolitical zones plus economic backgrounds. E give plenty people—plus ein own siblings—chance to go formal school make dem fit reach demma highest possible potential. E dash property to ein family people, donate money give business enterprises, church organisations den charity. E make sure say ein relatives plus ein friends go school make dem fit read, write den count, plus learn apprentice skills. E give small business grants to plenty people across different ethnic groups.

Insyd 1923, e release money plus land take lead de founding of Ebwali St. John's Anglican for Bunyore. Di same way, for 1924, e release money plus land again take lead de founding of Ebwali Primary School. E give bursaries plus other kain financial support help promote welfare of people wey need am.

E campaign for make education for post-independence Kenya be free den compulsory for everybody.

Insyd 1964, e start “Oriedo Self Help Society” (dem register am on 3 June 1964); one non-governmental charitable foundation wey ein main goal be to improve de socioeconomic welfare of people for Bunyore plus beyond. Dem do am through self-driven den result-based sustainable development initiatives wey go help make de region reach socioeconomic self-sufficiency.

 Military career 
E be veteran of two world wars — de First World War (WWI) plus de Second World War (WWII). For WWI between 1914–1918, e dey serve under de British Army ein 1st King’s African Rifles (KAR) for British East Africa as porter den mess hall cook. Later, e see small action near de end of de war. But for 1939 during WWII, e be frontline soldier for de same British Army King’s African Rifles (KAR). For 1943, dem assign am go de 11th (East Africa) Division of de KAR regiment wey dem just form dat same year. Dem send dis division go fight for Burma, wey now be de Republic of de Union of Myanmar. For Burma campaign, e serve as frontline infantry soldier.

During WWII, e fight side-by-side plus British soldiers den recruits from across de vast British colonial den imperial empire all over de world. Dis WWII experience teach Esau Khamati Oriedo plenty things; e boost ein skills for tactics, operations, plus strategic organisational leadership. As battle-hardened soldier wey study de British military strategies well, e come grow deep respect den understanding for wetin nationhood mean — as pan-ethnic way of bringing together de different native African peoples for de British Colony den Protectorate of Kenya into one nation, by embracing den uniting deir diverse ethnic backgrounds. He witness how soldiers from different races, ethnic groups, den military units under de British flag dey work together effectively to achieve one military mission.

 References 

Category:1888 births
Category:1992 deaths
Category:British Kenya people
Category:Torture victims
Category:Human
Category:Kenyan people
Category:Kenyan city councillors
Category:Kenya African National Union politicians
Category:Kenyan philanthropists
Category:Kenyan rebels
Category:Kenyan Luhya people
Category:Kenyan pan-Africanists
Category:Kenyan Anglicans
Category:Kenyan Christian missionaries
Category:People wey komot Western Province (Kenya)
Category:Kenya African Democratic Union politicians
Category:Kenyan prisoners den detainees
Category:King's African Rifles officers
Category:Converts to Anglicanism
Category:Members of de Legislative Council of Kenya
Category:20th-century philanthropists