Pio Gama Pinto

Pio Gama Pinto was a prominent Kenyan journalist, politician, and freedom fighter, renowned for his socialist ideals and his pivotal role in Kenya's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Born on March 31, 1927, in Nairobi to a Kenyan Asian family of Goan Catholic descent, Pinto's upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of activism and a commitment to social justice.

After receiving his education in Goa and Bombay, Pinto returned to Kenya in 1949 and became deeply involved in local politics aimed at challenging British colonial rule. He co-founded the East African Indian Congress in 1951, advocating for independence and representing the interests of the South Asian community in Kenya. Pinto also made significant contributions to journalism, writing for various publications and broadcasting anti-colonial programs on All India Radio.

Pinto's activism attracted the attention of Kenya's colonial authorities, leading to his arrest and detention on multiple occasions. Despite facing adversity, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of independence. In 1960, Pinto founded the Kenya African National Union (KANU) newspaper Sauti Ya KANU, further amplifying the voice of the independence movement.