Man Names Kibaki, Kalonzo among 10 Kenneth Matiba’s ‘Enemies’ During His Funeral Service in Nairobi

The Requiem mass of the late Kenneth Matiba held on Wednesday took an interesting twist after one of his longtime friends Joseph Gilbert Kibe, named Matiba’s “tormentors” during his fight for political pluralism.

When he was called to read his eulogy, Kibe narrated how Matiba had created several political enemies, some of who planned for his detention on July 4th, 1990 after his call for Constitution amendment that would see the restoration of multi-party democracy.

Kibe noted that a month after Matiba’s incarceration, Kalonzo Musyoka, now the Wiper leader, moved two motions in Parliament where he only highlighted what was wrong with Matiba’s proposal to change the law.

In a surprisingly brave move, Kibe named retired President Mwai Kibaki, Nasa Co-Principal Kalonzo Musyoka,(who were present at the service)  George Muhoho, former Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo, the late Prof. George Saitoti, Nicholas Biwott, Joseph Kamotho, John Keen, Dr Godana, David Mwenje, Zachary Onyonka, Philip Leakey and Bob Francis Jalangó as individuals who spoke against Matiba.

“They were so horrified, they thought Matiba would change the management of this country,” said Kibe.

He went further to reveal to the mourners how the late John Keen tabled a list of the cabinet that Matiba was allegedly going to run the country with, noting that the KANU regime at the time was so “horrified” that Matiba would change the country’s management.

He concluded by saying that Matiba “lost the battle but won the war.”

President Kenyatta, Retired President Mwai Kibaki, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula ,Musalia Mudavadi,Transport CS James Macharia and Mama Ngina Kenyatta were among those who attended the funeral service held at All Saints Cathedral Church in Nairobi.

Matiba passed away on Sunday, April 15th, while receiving treatment at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi.