When the phrase ‘KANU Youth Wingers’ is mentioned, it sends shivers among many over 30 years since the group existed.

“They were just like police officers. In fact, they were duplicating the work of police,” notes David Kuria who also suffered in the hands of the youth wingers during the fight for multiparty.

Mtaa Wangu caught up with Evans Ekaliche-one among the few surviving former KANU Youth Wingers in Nakuru.

Evans Ekaliche, former KANU youth winger.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

Born and raised in Flamingo Estate on the outskirts of Nakuru City, Ekaliche an alumni of Langalanga Primary School says he joined the KANU youth wing after being introduced to the group by one leader he only identifies as Mr. Wafula.

In 1991, the youthful Ekaliche made the first step into the KANU office in Nakuru and that is how he was enrolled to the Youth Wing team.

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Speaking to Mtaa Wangu at the current KANU office at KANU House within Nakuru city centre, Ekaliche says as youth wingers they had a role to work with police during night patrols.

They also used to sell the KANU membership booklet that had stamps for every year in what he says had a lot of income, as KANU membership was on the rise during those days.

“KANU was the party during those days and as youth wingers we used to help register members at a fee. We had ranks as those of police,” he adds.

He recalls around 1993 and 1994 how they battled with the members of Mungiki at the matatu stages.

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Ekaliche says the Youth Wingers managed to take over the stage and began charging fees for the protection of vehicles.

With the accumulative contribution from the stages and the KANU membership fee, plus a financial boost from the then President Daniel Moi, KANU House building was purchased.

A spot check inside the office reveals a special seat that Mtaa Wangu has learnt was used by Mzee Moi whenever he visited the office.

Chair which Mzee Moi used to sit on when he visited KANU house in Nakuru.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

“I can proudly say that we have a landmark in Nakuru as Youth Wingers of KANU because our efforts saw this house purchased,” he says.

While admitting that some members of the KANU Youth wingers were involved in illegal activities during those days, Ekaliche is quick to note that it is for such reasons that many vanished after Mzee Moi left power.

He is currently the Organizing Secretary KANU Nakuru Branch and has no regrets whatsoever being a youth winger.

pmambili@gmail.com

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