MCAs want Accra road renamed in honor of Kenneth Matiba

Nairobi MCAs on Thursday afternoon passed a motion seeking to rename Accra Road in Nairobi Central Ward to Kenneth Matiba Road.

This is meant to recognize the former opposition leader for his liberation struggle and the immense contribution he made in achieving multi-party democracy in the country.

Nairobi Central ward MCA Daniel Ngengi who moved the motion noted that it is important for the country to honor and show gratitude to Matiba whom he described as a hero in the history of this country.

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He described the late Matiba as a prolific industrialist in the hospitality and education sectors apart from his massive contribution to constitutional reforms in the country. He wondered why a prominent leader of his level has no single road in the capital city named after him.

“It is surprising that we have had other former leaders being recognized yet a revolutionist like Matiba has been overlooked,” Ngengi said.

The MCA explained that he chose on Accra Road because it’s dominated by businesses owned by traders of Murangá origin and the fact that it cuts across Charles Rubia Street.

Charles Rubia who died in 2019 was the first native African mayor of Nairobi but later joined Parliament, where he rose to the cabinet. In 1990, together with Kenneth Matiba, they led the calls for multi-party democracy.

“It will be historic if we rename Accra road after him because it cuts across the Charles Rubia Street and we know that the two worked closely with many others to liberate this country,” he added.

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 Kilimani Ward Rep Moses Ogeto said “it’s long overdue to rename the road after this legend who contributed a lot to the democracy of this country. It’s important to also name heroes and heroines before they die. For instance the express should be named after the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga” 

“What does it mean to have Accra Road in Nairobi City in this 21st century? If you go to Ghana you will not find any road named Nairobi,” said Imara Daima MCA Kenneth Obuya.

Mr. Matiba also served as the first indigenous African permanent secretary for education in 1963, served as permanent secretary for commerce and as the chairperson of the defunct Kenya Football Federation (KFF).

He was the MP for Kiharu constituency and served in the cabinet in various ministries among them health.

The MCAS asked the County Government to deliberate with the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and invoke Article 186(1) of the constitution that gives them the power to effect the changes.

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