Former Cabinet Minister Kenneth Matiba has been awarded Sh504 Million as settlement for a case against the Government of Kenya.
The veteran politician, who has in the past vied for the presidency, has been awarded the amount as compensation for his detention and torture by the State in 1990.
The prominent politician was able to prove that he suffered a debilitating stroke that confined him to a wheelchair as a result of the detention.
Matiba had sought Sh12 Billion as compensation for the Sh9.1 Million cost he incurred in managing his condition.
The 85-year-old former detainee took his case to court in 2015 arguing that he suffered a serious stroke on May 26, 1991 but remained in detention without medication for one week.
According to the testimony submitted to the High Court, Matiba would only released from detention on June 4, 1991, two days after a head scan confirmed there was bleeding in his brain.
Expert witness testimony by Cardiologist Dr Dan Gikonyo, revealed that the delay in treatment resulted in permanent disability that confined Matiba to a wheelchair.
"He was flown to England where he was attended by several Neurosurgeons, and despite all their efforts, he (Matiba) suffered grievous damage to the left side of his brain," Dr Gikonyo told the then High Court judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola.
Commenting on Matiba's bid for the Presidency in 1992, Dr Gikonyo conveyed that the politician was still not fit to run the office in his condition.
"Brain damage is irreparable, and with his age, Matiba has continued to be much weaker. Even though he could make statements on general principals, he still had disabilities," the doctor explained.
Matiba is remembered for leading the charge for a multi-party democracy in the 90s alongside Mr Charles Rubia.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta during a hospital visit to the ailing former Cabinet Minister Kenneth Matiba"]
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