Leaders demand justice for Kenneth Matiba's family

Leaders who attended the funeral service of veteran politician Kenneth Matiba demanded justice for his family in a tearful event that brought together the country’s top business and political elite.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga yesterday joined thousands of mourners at Ihura Stadium, Murang’a County, eulogising Mr Matiba as a patriotic and selfless leader.

The President said Mr Matiba suffered to bring peace and unity to the country and that Kenyans should respect these struggles by remaining peaceful.

“If there is anything we can do to pay our respect, it is by emulating Mr Matiba.

"We should be compassionate and people who care about their brothers and sisters. I don’t think we can give him a greater gift than that,” he said.

DEMOCRACY
Mr Ruto said the late politician’s slogan inspired him to start his party URP, which merged with TNA to form Jubilee Party, the ruling political vehicle.

“When I formed my party, I was inspired by Mr Matiba. When he stepped out of his comfort zone and fought for multipartism, he did so for every Kenyan to expand the democratic space,” he said.

Calls for his torturers to make a public apology for detaining him and subjecting his wife Edith to immense suffering dominated the funeral service.

Leaders who spoke of his days in detention under the Moi regime noted that the country had failed to acknowledge the family’s agony for the 27 years he had been ailing.  

Mr Odinga gave an emotional account on the suffering that Mr Matiba and his wife Edith underwent in the fight for multipartism.

DETENTION
He told of how Edith had been attacked and admitted to hospital after her husband met with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to discuss the push for multipartism.

“The violence that was meted on the family is not known by many. Mr Matiba was someone who was very principled,” he said.

He narrated how Mr Matiba cleaned the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison compound, impressing the guards, when the two of them were detained there.

“The askaris would tell me how Mr Matiba was a clean man, doing a very thorough job when cleaning the blocks. He would wake up in the morning and, immediately after breakfast, start cleaning the compound,” he said.

FAMILY
He added that a generous warden helped sneak a letter to his wife, Ida Odinga, who informed Edith about Mr Matiba’s poor health.

On her part, Edith described Mr Matiba as determined, focused and generous.

She gave an emotional and moving tribute on the suffering Mr Matiba went through after torture.

Her speech, which was read on her behalf by close relative Alice Mwangi, attracted sympathy from the mourners.

Admitting that she did not always support his entry into politics, Edith added that it never stopped her husband from consulting her before making any major decision.

“He always consulted me for agreement on what would be best for our family. At the end of the day, I prayed to God and made peace with his desire to make an impact, because I knew where it came from,” she said.

TORTURE
His children eulogised him as a fearless adventurer who actualised his dreams meticulously and to the fullest.

In their tribute, read on their behalf by eldest sister Susan, the children said their dad was a kind and a cheerful giver who did not get tired of sharing with the poor and the disadvantaged.

In a tribute read by Naro Moru River Lodge general manager Edward Wangechi on behalf of the staff, they described Mr Matiba as one of the best employers.

Leaders who spoke at the service asked those involved in his torture to apologise.

Senate Minority Leader James Orengo said his torturers should be dealt with.

“Some of them are still alive. We must come together as a country and move this country as one country,” he said.

His calls were supported by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Murang’a Senator Irung’u Kang’ata.