In the annals of Kenya’s struggle for independence, Paul Joseph Ngei stands out as a courageous leader who played a pivotal role in the fight against colonial rule. Part of the illustrious Kapenguria Six, Ngei shared the confines of Lokitaung Prison with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, contributing significantly to the liberation movement.
Who is Paul Ngei?
Born on October 8, 1923, in Kiima Kimwe near Machakos township, Paul Ngei hailed from a notable lineage as the grandson of paramount chief Masaku. The family later relocated to Mbilini in Kangundo Division. Ngei’s educational journey commenced at Kangundo DEB Primary School, followed by intermediate school at Kwa Mating’i in Machakos town and Alliance High School. His pursuit of knowledge extended to military service in the King’s African Rifles and further studies at Makerere University in Uganda, where he focused on journalism from 1948 to 1950.
Paul Ngei Activism
Paul Ngei’s activism manifested prominently when he became one of the Kapenguria Six, enduring a nine-year incarceration alongside iconic figures like Jomo Kenyatta, Fred Kubai, Bildad Kaggia, Achieng Oneko, and Kung’u Karumba. Released in 1961, this period solidified Ngei’s enduring friendship with Kenyatta, marking a pivotal chapter in Kenya’s struggle for self-rule.
Paul Ngei Political Career
Ngei transitioned seamlessly into politics, becoming the Member of Parliament for Kangundo Constituency from 1969 to 1990.
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His political journey spanned the administrations of both Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi. He served as a cabinet minister throughout Kenyatta’s rule (1964-1978) and held various ministerial positions in the post-Kenyatta government under President Moi (1978-1990). However, in 1990, Ngei faced financial setbacks, leading to a declaration of bankruptcy by the courts and subsequent resignation from his parliamentary seat.
Paul Ngei Affairs with Women
Apart from his political exploits, Paul Ngei’s personal life, particularly his relationships with women, drew attention. Described by some as a “fisi” (a term colloquially used to imply a womanizer), Ngei’s romantic involvements were not without controversy.
He reportedly wrote love letters to Margaret, the daughter of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, filled with catchy Swahili phrases. One incident recounted in Jeremy Murray-Brown’s 1973 biography of Kenyatta involved Kenyatta discovering one of these letters.
Ngei’s name also surfaced in the 1978 murder case of Captain Judy Angaine, whom he was reportedly dating. The circumstances leading to her tragic demise involved an evening of drinking with Ngei, culminating in a car accident following an alleged struggle. This incident and Ngei’s expulsion from Makerere University for stabbing a fellow student during a college dance underscored his complex personal life.
In an interview later in life, when confronted about his continued interest in women despite his health condition, Ngei humorously replied, “But Charles, one doesn’t need three legs to do it!”
