The family of the late Kimani Wa Maruge has cried out, accusing the government of abandoning them, after their father set record as the oldest pupil.
Maruge who died in 2009, was before his death a celebrated man, after setting record as the oldest person ever to enroll in primary school and rubbed shoulders with the mighty then.
However, his family is now claiming that all has been forgotten after the departure of the man who also reportedly participated in the push for independence as a freedom fighter.
His daughter Regina Wairimu Maruge (62) says that they are living in absolute poverty despite their father having a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records.
"We were abandoned, just like that. Our father’s story is an example of accounts of legends who were adored at their prime but now whose families live in squalor after their fall or death," Wairimu, one of the 15 children of Maruge, 12 of whom he outlived says.
She says that should things remain as they are and the history of Maruge completely forgotten, then Kenya will have let down one of her most illustrious sons.
"Today, our family can hardly afford basics. If Kenya chooses to forget Maruge, it will have forgotten not only one of its most illustrious sons but also an important part of its history,” she told the Standard at their home in Subukia, Nakuru county on Monday.
She added that the family is yet to receive the proceeds of his second ranking at the People's Choice category at 2014's International Film Festival, where he was featured.
According to Wairimu, despite falling in the category of the likes of Phoebe Asiyo, Jael Mbogo and Wangari Maathai, the family has nothing to show for it.
Maruge died in 2009 aged 90 years old.