Kenya Mourns Second Liberation Hero Kenneth Matiba

President Kenyatta has led the nation in mourning second liberation hero, Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba who passed away on Sunday aged 85.

In a broadcasted address from State House in Nairobi on Sunday night, President Kenyatta eulogized the veteran politician as a “true patriot who loved Kenya and a nationalist who believed in hard work and building strong bonds of friendship for the betterment of all.”

Matiba, who had been battling a long illness, died while receiving treatment at the Karen Hospital at around 6.10pm. 

"It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of loss that Margaret and I send Mrs Edith Matiba and her family this message of condolence and encouragement following the death of Mzee Kenneth Matiba."

"Mzee Matiba was a true patriot who loved this nation of Kenya, a nationalist who believed in hard work and building strong bonds of friendship for the betterment of all."

"Mzee Matiba was among the first sons of Kenya who formed the team that began to lay the foundation of our great Nation."

“With the passing of Mzee Matiba, the cruel hand of death has robbed us of a devoted leader and mentor who was a role model to many. Indeed, he served the country with distinction. His accomplishments clearly demonstrate that focus, diligence, and determination pay. Those who knew him benefited immensely from his selfless leadership and wisdom,” President Kenyatta said in a televised statement.

Deputy President William Ruto described Matiba as an indefatigable proponent of democracy and human rights.

“Mzee Matiba’s strong fight for reforms, freedom of expression, tolerance and divergent opinion that saw him overcome great odds, including detention, won him admiration from friends, foes and cemented his stellar status. He advocated hard work and he was richly rewarded in the fields of business, education, and sports.”

Opposition chief Raila Odinga said that the former cabinet minister will be remembered for the sacrifices he made in the attainment of multiparty democracy and other freedoms that Kenyans enjoy today.

“It is hardly where we intended or ought to be, but certainly better than where we were at this time over 20 years ago, thanks to the sacrifices of Hon. Matiba and his team,” Odinga said.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi described the former Kiharu MP as a brave and selfless leader.

“Respected and adored within and beyond our frontiers, Matiba’s hand in the unyielding hope he had for the prosperity of this country will always be with us,” the National Assembly speaker said.

Businessman Chris Kirubi said Matiba will be remembered for the crucial role he played “in shaping the political landscape of our nation as a veteran of multiparty democracy. Sincere condolences to his family.”

"I am deeply saddened by the passing on of the second liberation hero Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba. He will be remembered for his contribution in the amendment of the constitution that paved way for the re-introduction of multi-party democracy, " Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said.

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said: "I received with sadness the demise of former Minister and Kiharu MP, Hon. Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba. The veteran politician will be remembered for his fight for multiparty democracy that we are all enjoying now."

“To paraphrase John 15:13, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (Country). Rest In Peace Kenneth Matiba the pioneer Kenyan professional & Our Father of Freedom, Democracy, inclusivity, and good governance,” Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said.