Arthur Wanyoike Thungu, who served as Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's bodyguard was a feared figured in post-independence Kenya due to his abrasive nature.
Though not much was written about him, his name came up in connection with the killing of veteran politician JM Kariuki in 1975.
"Officially, he was one of Mzee Kenyatta’s bodyguards, but privately, he was the kingpin of the so-called “Kiambu Mafia” and ran roughshod over those who came between him and his quest for wealth and power," a report by journalist John Kamau on Nation read.
One of those who came in his crosshairs was then assistant Minister for Education in Kenyatta's Government Bildad Kaggia.
His book, The Struggle for Freedom and Justice: The Life and Times of the Freedom Fighter and Politician Bildad M. Kaggia (1921-2005), that was published posthumously, detailed an incident in December 1967 when the presidential bodyguard descended on Kaggia’s homestead in Murang’a and gave him, his wife and aides a thorough beating.
According to historian Odhiambo Opiyo, the Assistant Minister was on his way to Thika to open a KPU office when he realised he was being followed by two vehicles.
On arrival, he found another gang of hired goons waiting for him. Among them was Wanyoike.
Without any provocation, the gang systematically set about the Kaggias with whips and clubs as police officers enjoyed the odd spectacle.
The couple was admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital with his wife suffering a fractured skull in the ambush.
The assault came about over their association with former Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s Kenya People’s Union (KPU) party.
Kaggia was the KPU deputy party leader and in April 1968, he was handed a one-year sentence for holding an unlicensed meeting at Sondu.
