The Kapenguria Six
Heroes of Kenya’s Independence
Bildad Kaggia, Kung'u Karumba, Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Paul Ngei, and Achieng' Oneko were among Kenya’s leading nationalists arrested in 1952 at the height of the Mau Mau uprising.
Their trial began at Kapenguria on 3 December 1952, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Anthony Somerhough.
They were accused of jointly managing the Mau Mau, a proscribed society, and of conspiring to drive out European settlers. The six were found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison, first at Lokitaung and later in Lodwar.
Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko successfully argued at one point that, as a Luo, he could not have incited Kikuyu fighters in a language he barely understood. Though briefly released, he was later rearrested on charges of incitement and trespassing.
Their imprisonment symbolized the struggle for Kenya’s independence, earning them recognition as heroes of the liberation movement.
Their trial began at Kapenguria on 3 December 1952, led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Anthony Somerhough.
They were accused of jointly managing the Mau Mau, a proscribed society, and of conspiring to drive out European settlers. The six were found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison, first at Lokitaung and later in Lodwar.
Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko successfully argued at one point that, as a Luo, he could not have incited Kikuyu fighters in a language he barely understood. Though briefly released, he was later rearrested on charges of incitement and trespassing.
Their imprisonment symbolized the struggle for Kenya’s independence, earning them recognition as heroes of the liberation movement.
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