BY ALBERT NYAKUNDI
Ntai Wa Nkuraru was one of the household names during the 90’s struggle for multiparty democracy in Kenya.
He died in London on January 6, 1999 under mysterious circumstances.
His death led to protests both in Meru and Nairobi where protestors suspected foul play.
According to his grandfather, Kairaka Akwaru,Ntai was born in August 1968.
Ntai joined hands with renown human rights defender and former Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, senior counsel Paul Muite, former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Farah Maalim, Siaya senator James Orengo,AU special envoy Raila Odinga and Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi.
They championed for democracy.
After his death, his family has been living in a squalor.
This prompted his close friends and pluralism architects led by Imanyara to intervene and support his family.
They decided to build a permanent house for his elderly mother in 2012.
Eight years later, the house is still under construction.
Gitobu described Ntai as a hero.
“Shujaa Ntai wa Nkuraru was one of the outstanding heroes of the Second Liberation hailing from Meru. He died in London under circumstances that have never been understood”. Gitobu told Hot News.
The seasoned lawyer said Ntai’s mother has been living in deplorable conditions and for a number of years, friends and well-wishers decided to put up a decent shelter for her but the project stalled.
Gitobu said to honor the memory of this outstanding son of Meru County “Twi A’Meru Trust” has decided to complete construction of the house and hand it over to Ntai’s family before end of August.
Twi Ameru Trust patron Gitobu Imanyara said the welfare and development association is determined to ensure the house is finished.
Gitobu confirmed a team led by Dr Elijah Kirimi visited Ntai’s home on Tuesday at Muriri village, Tigania East to assess the stalled project.
“It is in the light of this that we sent a team to visit the home and assess what remains to be done to complete the project.” said the former Imenti Central legislature.
Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Farah Maalim described Ntai as a close friend and a younger brother.
“He was a selfless, brilliant and a hardworking nationalist. He did not have a tribe.” Maalim told Hot News.
Farah called on Kiraitu Murungi,Raila Odinga,lawyer Paul Muite,Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o and Kisumu Senator James Orengo among other second liberation heroes to team up and help Ntai’s family.
Maalim admitted that as one of the surviving freedom fighters, they are traitors to the cause of Ntai’s family.
“If we do not come out to help that family we will be failing in our duty. It is going to be betrayal. I am willing to give my contribution to help.” he said.
He said they have not taken adequate care of the people who struggled with them and perished at a young age.
“We have that collective guilt if we get to hear children of Ntai and his mother are suffering while we are alive and in active politics.” Maalim said.
Dr Kirimi told Hot News that four steel windows and two doors were made in 2012 at a cost of Sh 32 000 but only Sh 10 000 was paid to the welder.
He said they have never been collected since the balance is yet to be cleared.
“The welder has agreed to make an extra window and a bathroom ventilation based on the 2012 quotation and will not penalize us for the delay.” said the Psychology lecturer.
The Trust’s chairman Mugambi Munene said the house project is in line with one of the Trust’s objectives of recognizing and appreciating members of the community who bring honor to the community.
“This is as a result of their heroic exploits in various fields whether living or posthumously.” Mugambi said.
Ntai’s grandfather welcomed the kind gesture.
He said Ntai’s mother Juliana Nkuraru leads a poor life.
“She is 75 years old and we do not get any form of help from the government.” he said.
He said Ntai died before the birth of his only child, Mwenda Nkuraru.
Ntai’s wife left her marital home shortly after the death of her husband.
Speaking to Hot News on phone, Ntai’s widow Faith Ntai confirmed that she lives with her son far from Meru.
“I live with my son. That is the only thing I can say.” she said on phone.
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