“It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.” – Sonia Sotomayor
Today In History
1. The Father Of Kenyan Nationalism, Harry Thuko Was Arrested By British Authorities
On this day in 1922, Harry Thuko, father of Kenyan Nationalism was arrested by British Authorities for his agitation for end of colonialism. He was eventually exiled to present day Somalia.
2. Kenya’s Tallest Building Was Opened
On this day in 1967, Kenya’s tallest building, a 13-storey Industrial Promotion Services building was opened in Nairobi by President Jomo Kenyatta and businessman Aga Khan.
3. Egypt Hosted The African Cup Of Nations
On this day in 1974, Egypt hosted the ninth edition of the African Cup of Nations. The Democratic Republic of Congo (as Zaire) won the title and went on to play at the 1974 FIFA world cup.
4. African National Congress’ Office In London Was Bombed By The South African Government
On this day in 1982, African National Congress’ (ANC) office located in Islington, London, United Kingdom was allegedly bombed by the South African Government.
This would eventually be confirmed when General Johann Coetzee, former head of the Security Branch of the South African Police, and eight other South African policemen, admitted to the attack at an amnesty hearing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Pretoria in September 1998.
5. Africa’s First Nuclear Power Plant Began Operation
On this day in 1984, Africa’s first nuclear power plant began operation in Koeberg in South Africa. It was the only one in Africa until 2023.
6. Cyclone Idai Hit Mozambique
On this day in 2019, tropical cyclone Idai made a landfall near Beira City in Mozambique killing over 1,000 people and affecting more than 3 million people.
7. Nandigram Violence
On this day in 2007, following a policy on land acquisition for a project taken up by the CPI(M)-led Government of West Bengal to create a chemical hub, a type of special economic zone (SEZ), 14 people were killed in a police shooting caused by a violence in Nandigram, West Bengal, India.
8. Hlaingthaya Massacre
On this day in 2021, following the Myanmar coup d’etat, mass killing of over 60 civilians by Myanmar Army troops and Myanmar Police Force officers occurred in Hlaingthaya Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
