Leaders fault State as Ngei's wife is buried

By Mutinda Mwanzia

Hundreds of mourners thronged the home of former freedom fighter and long serving minister the late Paul Ngei for the burial of his first wife, Emma.

The mourners who included MPs, former legislators, and Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli praised the late Emma as a true independence hero and an epitome of humility.

Speaking at her burial ceremony at Mbilini village in Kangundo District, the leaders slammed the Government for ignoring the plight of freedom fighters, adding that many were living in abject poverty.

Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama, former MPs Moffat Maitha, Kalembe Ndile, Njeru Kathangu, and Wanyiri Kihoro attended the burial.

Mr Ndile caused a stir when he said the Government was honouring the wrong individuals with medals, adding the real heroes and heroines had been ignored.

"It is shocking that a gallant Kenyan like Emma has left us without any single decoration for her role in uplifting the country. It is very sad," said Ndile.

Muthama said the late Emma suffered greatly when Ngei and the rest of the ‘Kapenguria Six’ were arrested in 1952, adding her role in the liberation struggle cannot be wished away.

Children of Bildad Kaggia, and Kung'u Karumba, both who were detained with the late Ngei at Kapenguria also attended the burial.