Matiba family blames Kibaki for neglect

WEDNESDAY, 10 AUGUST 2011 00:05 BY JESSE MWANGI

INTERVENE: Saba Saba Asili Vice Chair Kimani Ngunjiri in Murang'a yesterday. Photo/ Jesse Mwangi

The family of Kenneth Matiba yesterday blamed the Kibaki government for the predicament faced by the ailing veteran politician.
Led by George Gachugu, a cousin to Matiba, the family accuses the Kibaki government of neglecting national heroes, chief of who is Kenneth Matiba. Speaking during Saba Saba Asili election for Murang’a County, the party’s interim national vice-chairman Kimani Ngunjiri said it was a shame for the government to stay put as heroes live in abject poverty or being ruined by ailments. “The government has done little to help our heroes who sacrificed a lot for this country.

They should not wait until their demise before attending their funerals in big cars to shed crocodile tears,” said Kimani.  The two accused President Kibaki and other political leaders from Central province of keeping quiet as Matiba’s property is being sold. “Leaders from Central province led by President Kibaki should lead other Kenyans towards helping the family of the ailing politician if they claim to be community spokesmen,” said Kimani.  The vice chairman said it was only Prime Minister Raila Odinga who has paid a visit to Matiba since he got ill.

At the same time, Gachugu appealed to the government to help settle a Sh620 million debt Matiba owes to the Barclays Bank of Kenya.  He said property owned by the politician are at risk of being auction by the bank if the debts are not settled. Gachugu said the former cabinet minister has not failed to pay the Sh620 million debt by default but due to his sickness as a result of incanceration and torture by former president Moi’s government.

He said instead of the Kibaki government honouring the hero for his struggle for multiparty democracy, the government went ahead to remove his son Raymond Matiba from chairing the Kenya Tourism Board, replacing him with a foreignor. Gachugu revealed that the Hillcrest Group of Schools is already sold and is under new management following the lifting of its receivership status.

Following this sale, Gachugu appealed to the Barclays Bank to knock off accumulated interest rates and allow the family settle only the principal amount. Gachugu said they won’t sit back and watch the school which lies on a 52-acre plot in Karen lost. He threatened that the party will rally members to demonstrate against the bank if it fails to waive on the loan interests.