Kapenguria Museum is located inside the prison where Kenya’s most influential leaders were imprisoned. Naicef gives you a complete guide to the Kapenguria Six Museum, including things to do, where to stay, and the history of the Kapenguria Museum.
Kapenguria six museum features galleries, a memorial library of the former leaders in the time for Kenyan independence and their cells.
Contact Naicef for the best tour to the Kapenguria six museum. Write to my@naicef.com or call +254799922277
This museum is very significant to Kenya’s struggle for independence.
Below is a complete guide to the Kapenguria Museum.
Documentations, publications and autobiography of the famous Kapenguria Six are found here.
History about the Kapenguria Six Museum
The Kapenguria museum was opened in 1993. The museum is located in Kapenguria, West Pokot County.
It is under the National Museums of Kenya.
Their cells, cultural galleries, snake park and Pokot homesteads provide the foundation of the museum history.
There are books and documents in a memorial library in honor of the heroes who championed the struggle for independence.
Other parts of the museum are political exhibits from the pre-colonial era.
The famous Kapenguria six were detained on 20th October, 1952. Sir Evelyn Baring was the new governor who had arrived in Kenya on 30th September 1952.
The Kapenguria six include
Out of sight….
This was seen in how the Kapenguria six were detained. They were first detained in Kilimani for a night. The following day, they were transferred to other detention camps.
They were transferred to separate detention camps to keep them away from people.
Moreover, the MauMau were ready to invade the place. In addition, the colonial government didn’t want to use excess force on them.
Those were the reasons why they were transferred to separate prisons.
Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai and Achieng Oneko and Bildad Kagia were taken to Wilson Airport. From the airport, Jomo Kenyatta was flown to Lokitang’ detention camp.
Achieng’ Oneko, Bilda Kagia and Fred Kubai were taken to Marsabit detention camp.
Paul Ngei was taken to Nairobi detention camp. This is currently the industrial area prisons.
Kungu Karumba was taken to the Kajiado prisons.
They all stayed in their positions until 14th November, 1952, where they were flown to Kitale airstrip
There was an order of arrival at Kapenguria with the first detainee arriving being Fred Kubai.
He was interrogated in the first classroom. His charges were managing MauMau movement.
Achieng’ Oneko was the second person, followed by Bildad Kagia, Kungu Karumba, Jomo Kenyatta and Paul Ngei.
All of these detainees were leaders of the Kenya African Union (KAU)
The Kapenguria six stayed here for six months. Their court trial happened at one of the current schools called Cheoyet High School.
Several witnesses came to give their statements. One was Bruson Macharia, a neighbour to Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and a prime witness.
Kapenguria Six Museum Entrance Fees
The charges for Kapenguria six museum are;
Kapenguria Six Museum Entrance Fees for Residents
Adults- KES 100
Child- KES 50
Kapenguria Six Museum Entrance Fees for East African Residents
Adults- KES 400
Child- KES 200
Kapenguria Six Museum Entrance Fees for Non-Residents
Adults- KES 500
Child- KES 250
Visitor Experience in Kapenguria Six Museum
There are things to do and things to see at Kapenguria museum to understand the significance of the detained heroes.
Below are the visitor experiences at Kapenguria
Things to see & attractions in Kapenguria museum
1. The Heroes Cells
From the entrance, the Kapenguria prisons where the detainees were kept are the first to see.
Inside their cells, there are photographs of them and a framed autobiography of them during independence.
2. Historical Museum
In this historical museum, you will see a collection of historical artefacts from the Kapenguria Six and West Pokot.
The museum has items like;
- Weapons
- Animal skin
- Clothing and personal items
- Photographs
- Art displays
- Educational displays
3. Pokot homestead
There is a Pokot homestead gallery found inside the museum. This shows a normal home in Pokot.
In addition to that, there are Pokot artifacts inside the Pokot homes.
Moreover, there is a Pokot gallery that shows the culture of the Pokot people.
Mrs. Anny Mulder was an anthropologist who carried out work in this area among the Pokot People.
4. Snake Exhibits
Within the museum, there are 3 types of snakes well-kept. Their poison is said to be a cure for ailments.
These snakes include
- Gaboon Viper
- Forest Cobra
- Puff Adder
Things to do & activities at Kapenguria museum
1. Historic Games
The hero cells are perfect for putting yourself in the shoes of the detainees.
Visitors can engage in challenges faced by the detainees during their time in the prisons.
An example is, inside the cells, try communicating via the holes on the walls, if you can hear the other person communicating.
Through these games you gain an understanding of the frustrations and problems involved in the struggle for independence.
2. Hands-on Activities
This is an engaging activity where visitors can get hands-on experience with the artefacts in the museum.
These activities can include traditional crafts, demonstrations of historical practices and handling artefacts.
3. Guided Tours
The local guides have great storytelling techniques to help you visualize the series of events.
The guides give details about everything in the museum. This helps visitors to understand the importance of the museum.
4. Virtual Reality Experiences
Kapenguria Museum might give you a chance to have a virtual reality experience.
This can give guests a unique perspective on the past while they immerse themselves in the historical setting.
Accommodations & Where to stay in Kapenguria Six Museum
Where to stay in and around Kapenguria six museum? Here is a list of places to stay in Kapenguria Six museum
- The Horizon Resort
- Kape Samaritan Guest House
- Ceamo Prestige Lodge
- Westside hotel in Kitale
- Engo Airport Resort Kitale
In the case of fatigue during and after the tour, here’s a complete Naicef guide after the tour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kapenguria six museum is located in Kapenguria, West Pokot County in Kenya.
The history of Kapenguria museum is notable because it hosted the detainees who fought for the independence in Kenya.
The detainees were named the ‘Kapenguria Six’.
The attractions in Kapenguria museum include
- The Heroes cells
- Pokot homestead
- Snake exhibits
- The historic museum and gallery
For the best museum tours in Kenya, Contact Naicef. Naicef is the best tour company in Kenya for museum tours.
We are the best tour company in Kenya for museum tours because we focus on;
Customer Centricity: We customize the best museum tours in Kenya and give the best to each traveler.
Quality: We craft African experiences in quality for the best and engaging museum tours.
Professionalism: We have a dedicated and professional team that creates a long-lasting relationship with all travel partners.
Moreover, on every tour you take with Naicef, you contribute to sustainable tourism through our sustainable environmental and local community programs. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
Did you know Naicef is the best travel blog in Africa? Enjoy the Best Safari travel Blog.
For the best museum tours in Kenya, contact Naicef via my@naicef.com or call +254799922277
You can also opt for our Naicef Savings plan to plan your visit to any museum or tourist attraction in Kenya.
