East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Mpuru Aburi has recounted circumstances that led to his arrest and detention in 1990s by President Daniel Moi's government.
While addressing mourners at Mzee Peter Linturi's home, the former Tigania East MP recalled the day he was arrested while praying before a fundraiser.
Given his criticism, and the government's crackdown against those opposed to the regime, area DC one Mativo attended the fundraiser to monitor politicians.
Before speeches commenced, he recalled, the DC banned the late Mzee Linturi, father to Meru Senator Mithika Linturi from giving Aburi permission to speak.
But Mzee Linturi sneaked in Mpuru by asking him to pray. While praying, Aburi recalled, he criticised Moi forcing the DC to pounce on him.
"Mzee Linturi was like my father. He's a lion. Mithika Linturi and myself have never separated. There is a day we came here for a fundraiser in a Catholic church. It was KANU era and we had a DC by the name Mativo. He said that only Mithika should speak and banned me. We were young.
"But Mzee Linturi said that since I was not allowed to speak, I should lead prayers. I asked God to help us arrest Moi and throw him out. The DC arrested me, handcuffed me, threw me to pickup and took me to cells," he said.
Later, he added, Mzee Linturi followed him up to cells. Mithika on the other hands reached out to lawyers James Orengo and Gitobu Imanyara who rushed to rescue Mpuru.
The former legislator had been at loggerheads with successive governments, at times working closely with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son Raila Odinga.
Mzee Moi, who retired in 2002, was accused of dictatorship throughout his 24 years in power. A number of his critics including Raila were arrested and incarcerated.
His son Gideon Moi, who is the Baringo senator, is keen to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta. The elderly Moi revamped Uhuru's political career.