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Nyachae publishes memoirs

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Published on Tuesday, 25 May 2010 17:25

Former minister Simeon Nyachae has launched an autobiography detailing his experiences in Kenyatta, Moi and Kibaki regimes.

The book, Walking Through The Corridors Of Service, chronicles Nyachae’s childhood life rising to Chief Secretary in public service and later venturing into politics where he served as minister.

The autobiography is published by Mvule Africa Publishers. Nyachae retired from public service two years ago after being defeated in 2007 parliamentary polls.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Nyachae told his guests that many people including the media had misunderstood him.

"Many people thought they knew me but they didn’t. I decided to put it in writing and set the record straight," said Nyachae.

He narrates his personal encounters and exchanges with former Presidents Kenyatta and Moi, which earned him enemies in government.

He said that at some point he was frustrated by powerful forces in government and later opted to join the then ruling party Kanu to protect his business interests and family.

Nyachae recalled an incident where he had to stop a presidential function as President Kibaki was being entertained "because I felt the message that was be conveyed was not good."

"After I took to the podium and declared the function over, I sat back and wondered what action the President was likely to take against me. But I was finally happy that he did nothing and invited me for tea after the event," said Nyachae.

During the former President Moi’s administration, Nyachae resigned as a Cabinet Minister after being transferred to the Ministry of Industrialisation from the glamorous Finance docket.

The book also give details on how Nyachae imported factory machines for his companies through a foreign mission in Nairobi after he became a target of government operatives.

He narrates how his factories were closed on flimsy grounds forcing him to protest. He narrates how he was locked out of the infamous 1988 elections in a well calculated scheme by Kisii politicians aided by the KANU headquarters.

He recalls a 24-hour political marriage that would have given him an opportunity to become President.

The event was attended by former Vice President Moody Awori who praised Nyachae as a brave and forthright politician.

"We tried to convince Nyachae to remain with us prior to the 2002 general elections as we strategised to filed a single candidate against retired President Moi’s preferred candidate Uhuru Kenyatta. But he refused telling us he wanted time to consult his party," said Awori.

Assistant Ministers Peter Kenneth and David Musila, MPs Martha Karua, Ephraim Maina and Wilfred Ombui were present. Others included former Cabinet Ministers Marsden Madoka and Henry Obwocha and retired senior civil servants.