This archive report was first published on 19 July 2020.
Former Powerful Mayor's Life of Squalor After Gifting Mzee Moi House ¶
Kimunya Kamwana, a 92-year-old former powerful mayor in Nakuru Town, has spoken out about his struggles with poverty, despite his past influential positions.
On July 19, 2020, Kamwana shared his story with The Standard 's Sunday edition, revealing that he was unable to provide for his basic needs, including food and treatment, despite having served in powerful roles.
During his time as a powerful figure, Kamwana was tasked with determining land ownership, but he claimed he was not interested in grabbing land for himself.
He also revealed that he gifted a house to the late President Daniel Moi when Moi was elected vice president.
However, Kamwana's life took a turn for the worse after he joined politics in the 1980s and fell out with President Moi. He was tortured for his association with the Mwakenya movement between 1988 and 1994.
After his release, Kamwana vied to become a councillor for Ward 2, but his life continued to decline. He accrued significant debt and was forced to sell his luxurious home in Section 58 estate to pay off his debts.
Today, Kamwana lives in a one-bedroom rental house owned by the County Government of Nakuru, paying a monthly rent of Ksh2,400. His situation worsened in 2014 when he was bitten by a poisonous spider and had to seek treatment, but the state turned its back on him.
He also struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic, lining up to benefit from state donations but leaving empty-handed.
Despite his struggles, Kamwana was among the beneficiaries of a Ksh34.5 million award to 11 former political detainees in 2012, receiving Ksh3 million in compensation for torture.
