By VINCENT MABATUK

His name may not ring a bell to the younger generation, but Musa Kurgat is remembered in Baringo County as the man who ruffled feathers when he introduced opposition politics in the then exclusive ‘Kanu zone’.

When he hosted Mwai Kibaki, then an opposition leader, in Baringo in the mid 1990s, people thought he had gone out of his mind.

Supporters of the then President Moi claimed he had been sent to provoke the head of state.

Mr Kurgat, who fought Kanu politicians at the height of the clamour for multiparty politics,  says he has no regrets or apologies to make.

Nobody in Baringo dared challenge the former ruling party, even when they knew the party top shots were on the wrong. He says he only wanted to show Kenyans that not all of the Baringo people were timid.

“I have never been a radical. What I can’t stand is seeing people do wrong things almost with impunity. My conscience told me I was doing the right thing,” he stresses.

The father of nine says he was very bitter because of what some Kanu officials did behind President Moi’s back.

“The former president was not scared of the opposition but some individuals fought and blocked politicians from other parties from visiting Baringo. This is what I wanted to stop,” he says.

He says he just did his job and is happy he opened up the democratic space in Baringo county.

 Before that, no one dared point a finger at Mr Moi or the ruling party.

Because it was impossible to rent a room for his party in Eldama Ravine town, his house at Kokorwonin village had to serve both as the Democratic Party (DP) office and his residence.

He remembers the numerous occasions he hosted DP national leaders in his house including the current president.

He hosted Noah arap Ngeny, the late defence minister Njenga Karume, Mark Mwithaga, Njeru Ndwinga among others.

“I subjected my family to a lot of suffering by sending them away to neighbours’ homes to allow us discuss party matters,” says Mr Kurgat.

In 1992 he was kidnapped at Esageri while on his way to present his nomination papers in Eldama Ravine town, then south Baringo.

“This was a sad day for me because I was supposed to present my nomination papers to run as Baringo South MP. I was released a day later after the exercise had ended,” he says.

He says Kanu youths held him captive inside Kiplombe forest for two days, where he underwent severe beatings.

Determined and willing to completely silence him forever, another group within the same month got hold of him after a church service in Eldama Ravine and drove him to Kabarnet town for another round of beatings.

When the County Weekly visited his home recently, hundreds of DP membership cards and campaign posters still lay in his cupboard.

His regret is that those who suffered for democracy have been forgotten and are living miserable lives while sycophants and opportunists enjoy.

“I remember telling Mr Kibaki that it was possible for him to be the president one time, and forget about us to start working with those who tormented us,” says Mr Kurgat.

He blames those surrounding Kibaki for misleading and diverting his attention from the real issues affecting Kenyans.

Dr Chris Murungaru, Tabitha Sei, Amos Kimunya and Matere Keriri also held meetings in his timber walled house that he constructed after police destroyed his original home a few metres away.

“My wife was seriously beaten when she failed to explain my whereabouts. They even spent entire nights combing a maize plantation following a decision by security agents to demolish my house,” says Mr Kurgat.

“I had to lie low for the wellbeing of my family and my business,” he says.

During the 1997 General Election, he says his family was under surveillance with some of his businesses destroyed and clients threatened.

He says he comes from a family that does not tolerate injustices and other ills.

“I’m now advocating for change, but I believe the change can be initiated by others, not necessarily me,” he concludes philosophically.