Looking to understand Kenya’s history at Kapenguria Museum? 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 of the Kapenguria Six Museum. Write to my@naicef.com or call +254799922277
This museum is very significant to Kenya’s struggle for independence.
Moreover, Documentations, publications and autobiographies of the famous Kapenguria Six are found here.
Below is a complete guide to the Kapenguria Museum.
History Of 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’s history.
There are books and documents in a memorial library in honour 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 excessive 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 the 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, when 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 the 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.
What Happened To The Famous Kapenguria Six?
Mzee Jomo Kenyatta was the luckiest of the Kapenguria Six. He became Kenya’s first president on 12th December 1963.
Achieng Oneko and Paul Ngei were cabinet ministers in the new parliament.
Bildad Kaggia became Member of Parliament for Kandara and Assistant Minister for Education in 1963 before a dispute arose between him and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta over land issues.
Therefore, due to the dispute, Bildad Kaggia was sacked in 1964 and never returned to politics.
Paul Ngei was dubbed, ‘ a man of many lives like a cat’. This is because, due to diabetic complications, he lost his legs in 1997 and 1998.
In addition, he was evicted from his mansion in Garden estate over a KES 19 million debt. Moreover, in 1990, he was declared bankrupt and could not hold any public office.
In 1974 after losing his Kangundo parliamentary seat, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta came to his aid. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta had the constitution changed to give his former comrade a chance to be in politics again.
Paul Ngei was a founder of the Kenya African Union (KAU). Paul Ngei was the secretary in the Machakos branch. Moreover, he founded the Africa People’s Party in 1962.
Paul Ngei was in the Moi Cabinet until 1988 when he lost his Kangundo parliamentary seat to Maj Jackson Mulinge.
Fred Kubai became the Nakuru East Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister for Labour in the new parliament.
He retired from politics in 1988 and lived on his Ngeya Farm in Nakuru. He had his leg amputated in 1991 and later on, died in June 1996 due to stroke.
Kungu Karumba ventured into the public transport business after being detained. In 1975, during his ventures in Uganda, he disappeared mysteriously at the height of political tension.
Achieng Oneko was KAU secretary general. Moreover, he was the Minister for Information and editor of Ramogi which used to campaign for KAU.
At the age of 78, Achieng Oneko spent his last days on his rural farm in Uyoma, Rarienda.
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 artefacts 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kapenguria Six Museum
1. Where is Kapenguria Six Museum located?
Kapenguria Six Museum is located in Kapenguria, West Pokot
2. What is Kapenguria known for?
It was here at Kapenguria that the famous six Kenyan heroes were jailed and detained for seven years. This happened during the time of independence.
Kenya’s history cannot be written without the mention of this museum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kapenguria Six Museum is located in Kapenguria, West Pokot County in Kenya.
The history of the Kapenguria Museum is notable because it hosted the detainees who fought for 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
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