Despite overwhelming congratulatory messages over his contributions to pluralism politics in the country, the late Kenneth Matiba's nationalism has been challenged.
Several leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga have heaped praises to the former minister, whose body is set to be cremated on Friday.
But in an exclusive interview, ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire has dismissed claims that Matiba was among those who should be treated as national heroes.
"Yes he was detained and we can't dispute that. For many years, he worked with the oppressive government despite torture inflicted on people like Jaramogi Oginga," he said.
The former Kitutu Masaba MP added: "There is no record on whether he was tortured. He only underwent stroke when he realised that he will spend some day in detention. He is not a national hero."
His peers among them Charles Rubia, in a number of interviews, have indicated that Matiba was subjected to inhumane conditions while at Kamiti.
Last year, a Nairobi court awarded the veteran politician Sh900 million as part of compensation but the family maintains that he has never been paid.