Why Kahuhia village lays claim on Saba Saba

Politician Kenneth Matiba with supporters in Murang'a PHOTO: COURTESY

Kahuhia, Kenya: When the Government detained Kenneth Stanely Njindo Matiba without trial at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in 1990 when he and fellow Cabinet minister Charles Rubia for calling for multi-party democracy, it not only affected his life but also altered the living pattern for residents of Kahuhia, village in Murang’a County, historically known for its rebellion against oppression.

While in prison, Mr Matiba was refused medication and he suffered a stroke, which affected half his body and incapacitated him for some time. Later, a multi-party system was instituted and Matiba was released.

Nearly 25 years later, the mention of Saba Saba raises eyebrows among Kahuhia residents. In reference to Matiba, villagers here treasure memories of years gone by when their ‘son’ employed hundreds of their children and came to their aid when called to.

Although he was part of the wealthy elite around founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Matiba interacted with the humble villagers and was a popular figure among residents. “We will never forget him. Some families cry over his experience. They want him back,” says Irungu Kang’ata, Kiharu MP.

The villagers claim to be the “patent owners” of Saba Saba and are accusing CORD leaders of degrading and being ignorant of the heavy emotions the day bears.

“If possible, we wouldn’t wish to recall Saba Saba. It is unfortunate it is being used for selfish gains,” says 80-year-old Wangui Njoroge, a resident.

Lead role

Matiba’s detention was a loss for the villagers, who fondly recall his heroic lead role in expanding Kenya’s democratic space in the late 80s and early 90s. Today, the former influential politician is battling ill-health at his Safari Beach Hotel in South Coast.

Before he rose to fame as a national icon, Matiba’s business empire, including several hotels, schools and farms, employed hundreds of residents.

After detention, his businesses suffered a major blow. Consequently, hundreds of villagers lost their jobs.

“My people are yet to fully recover from the loss and seeing their ‘hero’ remain helpless,” says Kang’ata.

Matiba became area MP in 1979 after ousting Dr Julius Gikonyo Kiano. He represented the constituency in Parliament until 1988 after his ouster in the infamous Kanu branch elections.

Matiba’s village of Kahuhia was home to movements that led to Mau Mau rebellion. When the Kikuyu Central Association (KCA) was formed in 1924, its headquarters was in Kahuhia.

KCA was the brainchild of Harry Thuku’s supporters, whose main objective was to reclaim the land ‘grabbed’ by Europeans. It was KCA that in 1929, sent Jomo Kenyatta to London to present their grievances over land to the British government.