There’s no denying that the late Mzee Kenyatta was a wise albeit mysterious man.
Indeed, he was prone to bouts of anger, words of wisdom, and legend has it that he loved to infiltrate the callous whispers of rumor mongers that tried to tarnish his image
One late politician knew just how witty the first president was:
Veteran politician Martin Shikuku, in an undated documentary by Linus Kaikai, narrated that one day, he was surprised to be called to State House over accusations former AG Charles Njonjo had mounted against him.
On arriving, he found a sit reserved for him on the left hand side of the president. Mzee was also in the company of his Vice President Daniel Moi and Njonjo.
After a serving of traditional soup which Shikuku took preference before both Moi and Njonjo, Kenyatta asked him in Luhya, if he had anything to report about the Western region.
Shikuku, not knowing an investigation was being conducted right under his nose, told Mzee that the locals were complaining of corruption in the government.
“Ati wanasema serikali ya Kenyatta ni serikali ya hongo (They are saying my government is corrupt)? ” responded a surprised president.
Shikuku went on to explain that residents were upset because the Marama Chief, Jared Osora, who had been arrested receiving a bribe, was released scot-free after two weeks.
Mzee turned to Njonjo who confirmed that he was aware of the developments.
The AG explained that a technicality in the law barred them from getting a conviction in the chief’s case.
The president then directed his secretary, Geoffrey Kareithi, to ring the then Western PC, Paul Boit, and tell him that the chief had been fired.
Addressing Njonjo again, Kenyatta asked, “Bwana Njonjo iko technicality ingine (Is there another technicality)?”
The AG did not respond and again Mzee asked, “I’m asking you, iko technicality ingine (Is there another technicality)?” to which Njonjo replied “No.”
The president then explained to Shikuku that he had been called to State House because Njonjo had reported that he (Shikuku) was traversing western region claiming the government was corrupt.
Wow! Talk about laying out a perfect trap!!