Even though he visited deceased multiparty democracy hero Kenneth Matiba's home to convey his condolences, retired President Mwai Kibaki once demanded the icon to be hanged.
Politicians from across the political divide have heaped praises on the pluralism champion, even with retired president Daniel Moi conspicuously going silent.
"Personally, he was my hero and I learnt a lot from him. His loss is a tragedy to me as a person," said President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On 10th July in 1990, three days after a mega rally christened Saba Saba, which would later turn chaotic, Kalonzo Musyoka pleaded with the speaker to allow MPs discuss conduct of three individuals who had been arrested.
Six days earlier, Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia along with Raila Odinga had been arrested and detained incommunicado for opposing Moi's government.
"We have had detentions before of individuals for personal mistakes committed. No one among the Kikuyu is complaining that a Kikuyu has been detained,' argued Kibaki, then Health Minister.
He added: "They have been arrested for things that if found guilty, they will take individual responsibility. In fact, they should be hanged for disturbing government."
Before Matiba's detention, he had reached a consent to quit government along with Kibaki, only for the latter to change tune.
Later Matiba would contest in 1992 elections and emerge second, while Kibaki, who had also quit government emerged third.