In April 1991, Kanda Bongo Man was on a musical tour and performed at Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium. A week earlier, a small crowd attended retired President Daniel Moi’s rally in Central Kenya where Moi was surprised to learn about Kanda Bongo Man’s large fan base.
The musician was invited by Hezekiah Oyugi, Moi’s powerful Permanent Secretary for Internal Security, to perform at his private residence during his daughter’s birthday party.
However, Kanda Bongo Man’s visa had expired, and when Oyugi insisted on renewing it, the immigration chief became annoyed and ordered his deportation, as the musician had a full schedule and was unable to perform at the wedding as requested.
In his autobiography, former Nakuru District Commissioner Jonah Anguka recounted what happened next. Kanda Bongo Man’s performance permit was revoked, and heavily armed guards were stationed at the hotel where he was staying.
The police had strict orders to prevent anyone from contacting the musician before he was deported the following morning.
Kanda Bongo Man was able to return to Kenya twelve years after he was deported, thanks to an invitation from then Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju.
by: Content_cartel