Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Candidate James Leiro Letangule failed to identify the six independence nationalists commonly known as the Kapenguria six.
Speaking during an oral interview while facing a selection panel responsible for recruiting nominees for IEBC members and Chairperson on Wednesday, the IEBC candidate struggled to name the Kapenguria 6, despite the interviewer, Adams Oloo, questioning him to identify three members.
The nominee managed to answer one before he stumbled to recall the remaining members in the historical lane.
“Jomo Kenyatta,” he said as he picked up his pen and turned to his book.
The candidate then wrongfully named “Dedan Kimathi”, adding to his struggle to complete the remaining names.
Time to offer a response eventually ran out.
Candidates who applied for the positions of members of IEBC began their interviews on March 27, a process expected to run until April 24.
The Kapenguria Six were political activists and freedom fighters who played a major role in Kenya’s realization of its independence in 1963.
They were arrested during the colonial times by Sir Evelyn Baring after he declared a state of emergency on October 20, 1952 and charged with attempts to overthrow the colonial government through the Mau Mau Movement.
The six detainees consisted of Ramogi Achieng Oneko, Jomo Kenyatta, Bildad Kagia, Kungu Karumba, Fred Kubai and Paul Ngei.
During the Mau Mau uprising, they were arrested by Sir Evelyn Baring after he declared a state of emergency on October 20, 1952.
They were later taken to Kapenguria in Northwestern Kenya, where they faced trial for six months between 1952 and 1953.
The semi rid area of Kapenguria was sought out as it was believed to be the most secure place where it was thought the Mau Mau could not break them out.
Having been found guilty, they were sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labor.
By Star